Join NGOs in calling the European Union to ban the harmful plastic polyvinyl chloride!

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a commonly used plastic that exposes people and the environment to toxic, carcinogenic chemicals and contaminants.

PVC can be found in everything from raincoats to construction materials. The amount of chemicals used to manufacture PVC, makes it a truly damaging material throughout its lifecycle. It also contributes to the many other pollution challenges that society is facing in Europe and beyond e.g. PFAS and microplastics.  

Why should the EU ban PVC?

During production, workers and communities are exposed to highly hazardous chemicals. The energy-intensive production relies on harmful pollutants’ such as PFAS, a- group of problematic chemicals that last in the environment and our bodies (we can even pass PFAS on to future generations!), causing adverse effects to our health. Not to mention the emissions that degrade the environment and ozone layer.

When PVC is being used e.g. in food packaging, water pipes or toys, it can leach harmful chemicals. The health hazards associated with the use of and exposure to PVC and its harmful components are daunting:

• Cancer (testicular, liver, and brain cancer)
• Disruption of the endocrine system
• Reproductive impairment 
• Impaired child development and birth defects
• Neurotoxicity (damage to the brain or its function)
• Immune system suppression
• Respiratory irritation

Getting rid of PVC is also hard: it is a type of plastic that is very difficult to recycle due to its hazardous additives, as well as existing technical and economical barriers. Burning PVC or landfilling it emits harmful chemicals.

To end the proliferation of this dangerous material, over 60 NGOs and individuals call on EU policymakers to develop a plan for a full phase out of PVC by 2030. At the core of this plan should be a broad restriction of the production, use and market entry of PVC under the EU REACH Chemicals Regulation across sectors. Further the European Commission and its Member States should support a global ban of PVC under the new Global Plastics Treaty. 

Learn more about the problem and sign the petition to ban PVC here!