Are all flexible PVC strips & sheets the same?
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PLASTICIZERS & SAFETY
Flexible PVC is a complex material made from different substances (PVC resins, plasticizers and additives) conferring its specifics properties. The substances allowing its extra suppleness are plasticizers. A lot of different plasticizers are available, but about 8o% of the worldwide consumption is comprised of three plasticizers: di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) also referred as di-octyl phthalate (DOP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP). Those plasticizers, present in high quantity in flexible PVC strips and sheets (30 to 45 %wt), have very different impacts on human health and environment.
Risk assessment conclusions published in the Official Journals of the European Union
2006/C 90/04 (13/04/2006) & 2008/C 34/01 (07/02/2008)
RISK ASSESSMENT Conclusion of the assessment on the risks to |
DEHP DOP |
DINP |
DIDP |
|
HUMAN HEALTH |
WORKERS |
X |
V |
V |
CONSUMERS* |
X |
V |
V |
|
HUMANS EXPOSED VIA THE ENVIRONMENT |
X |
V |
V |
|
HUMAN HEALTH (physico-chemical properties) |
V |
V |
V |
|
ENVIRONMENT |
ATMOSPHERE |
V |
V |
V |
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM |
X |
V |
V |
|
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM |
X |
V |
V |
|
MICRO-ORGANISMS IN THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT |
V |
V |
V |
|
CLASSIFICATION |
Repr. Cat.2 R60-61 |
SAFE |
SAFE |
Repr. Cat.2 R60-61: REPROTOXIC - Risk Phrases R60: May impair fertility / R61: May cause harm to the unborn child.
V: Risks are not expected. X: There is a need to limit the risks.
*Note: DINP & DIDP can be used in toys and childcare articles which can't be placed in mouth. Use of DEHP is restricted in all toys and childcare articles. (Precautionary measures - Directive 2005/84/K - 14/12/2005)
Arc uses only high quality, safe and environment friendly plasticizers DINP and DIDP in its products.
Arc does not use any DEHP (DOP) plasticizers in its products. Such toxic and low quality plasticizers are often used in order to make more profits to the detriment of environment, human health and products durability. Such practices contribute to degrade PVC image in the public opinion instead that flexible PVC is a safe, environmental friendly, ecological, recyclable and durable product if made properly.