Vinyl Chloride

An industrial chemical used to make polyvinyl chloride, a form of plastic used in consumer products. Vinyl chloride was used in aerosol spray propellant. If inhaled in large amounts the reactions could be similar to dizziness, unconsciousness, drunkenness and confusion. The inhalation of vinyl chloride leads to many types of cancer including virulent liver cancer known as angiosarcoma of the liver. Decreased blood clotting, liver damage, Raynaud’s disease and birth defects are some other health effects of vinyl chloride.

Vinyl Chloride – A Human Carcinogen

According to the National Toxicology Program and the Environmental Protection Agency, vinyl chloride is a carcinogen. Vinyl chloride is present in all the registered carcinogen. The hazardous effects of vinyl chloride are not negligible. It is hepatotoxin     (harmful for liver) and nephrotoxin (hazardous to kidneys).

Prolonged exposure to vinyl chloride may lead to the following symptoms and reactions:

Headaches, dizziness, unconsciousness, light-headedness, drowsiness

Angiosarcoma (lung, brain and liver)

Acro osteolysis – It is marked by the fragmentation and disintegration on the ends of toes and finger; and by the ulcers on the soles of the feet and palms of the hand.

Lymphoma- It is a cancer in the lymphatic system.

Many birth defects, fetal damages and spontaneous abortions.

Nausea and ulcers in the stomach.

Problems in upper respiratory system including pneumonitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.

Frostbite-It is caused by exposure to liquid vinyl chloride.

If an individual exposed to vinyl chloride exhibits health problem, he should consult the doctor immediately for an inspection of domestic and occupational exposure. Vinyl chloride is used by many processing plants and manufacturing units. Following is the list of 12 locations where vinyl chloride is produced in United States:

Oxychem in Deer park, TX

Georgia Gulf in Plaquemine, LA

Condea Vista in Lake Charles, LA

Dow in Free Port, TX

PHH Monomers in Lake Charles, LA

Borden in Geismar, LA

Formosa in Point Comfort, TX

Formosa in Baton Rouge, LA

Oxy Mar in Ingleside, TX

Geon in LaPorte, TX

West Lake in Calvert City, KY

Dow in Plaquemine, LA

Toxic law protects public from harmful and hazardous exposure of vinyl chloride.