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History of PVC
As part of a long-standing campaign against the commercial production of chlorine, some extreme environmental campaigners are seeking to position PVC as an environmentally damaging material.  There has been a considerable amount of misinformation and scare mongering tactics used in banning all things PVC. The PVC Awareness website will highlight the PVC industry's waste and  recycling initiatives.   In a series of articles we hope to show the history of PVC, the benefits it has brought to modern society and it's essential role in every aspect of modern days lives.

  

PVC in everyday life

Due to the properties of PVC and its uses in modern day living, it is highly likely that you are using some product right now which uses PVC.   Below is a list of only some of its applications.    

Medical Building and Construction Consumer Goods
Blood and IV bags Windows Television
Labware Doors Computers
catheters Gutters Flooring
inhalation masks Pipes Bottles
all types of tubing Electrical wiring Clothing
mattress covers Wall coverings mobile phones
operating theatres flooring flooring Sports Equipment
bed pans basins and bed rails Cladding and roofing membranes Stereo systems

Medical Applications

PVC is flexible ,strong, durable even under changing temperatures and conditions.   For many years it has been used for blood bags and intravenous containers.  It is a safe non-toxic chemically stable and biocompatible product.  PVC products can easily be sterilized by steam or radiation.  PVC's low cost provides many uses in hospitals from flooring of operating theatres to mattress covers.   It is easy to clean and hygienic.

Electrical Applications

The insulation properties of PVC has made it one of the most widely used products in the electrical and electronic industries.  It is used as an insulating material for wiring and cables in many household and industrial products.   Products such as fridges, cookers, TVs, stereos, computers, house wiring, photocopiers , telephones, mobiles and most office equipment utilize the insulation properties of PVC.

Automotive Applications

PVC helps reduce the overall weight of automobiles and trucks thus reducing fuel consumption.   It's fire retardant and shock absorbing properties are utilized to good effect such as airbags and soft dashboards.   Since it's introduction in 1970 the durability of PVC has helped extend the average lifespan of automobiles.   As a cost effective material it has helped reduce the overall cost of vehicle manufacture thus lowering the overall cost of purchasing an automobile.  Alternatives have been found to be significantly more expensive.

Construction Applications

The properties of PVC as a strong, non-toxic, recyclable, durable but lightweight and easy to install material makes it an ideal product for use in the construction industry. PVC has been a popular material for construction applications for decades due to its material, technical and cost advantages.  PVC building products are durable and tough at reasonable cost.  PVC is durable and is very suitable for long-lasting and maintenance free applications