What is Vinyl chloride?

Vinyl chloride is a synthetic organic chemical used mainly in producing PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic. It is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet smell that can be toxic at high levels of exposure. Vinyl chloride can be found in everyday items such as drinking bottles, packaging materials, television and computer cables and furniture.

Regulations:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set regulations to control vinyl chloride emissions from industrial sources. The EPA has also established a maximum contaminant level goal for the presence of vinyl chloride in drinking water, which is set at zero. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets strict workplace exposure limits to minimize the potential health risks associated with exposure to VC.

What is vinyl chloride used for?

Vinyl chloride is primarily used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used plastic in producing various consumer goods. PVC is commonly found in pipes, siding, flooring, packaging materials and furniture. Vinyl chloride can also be found in electrical insulation and coatings. As it is a cost-effective material, its use has increased significantly over the past few decades.

How is vinyl chloride produced?

Vinyl chloride is an organochlorine compound produced from ethylene (C2H4) in a process known as chlorination or chloromethylation. The first step in this process involves adding chlorine gas to ethylene to form vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Additional chlorine atoms are added to form a polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The finished product often includes small amounts of binders, stabilizers, pigment and other additives.

Is vinyl chloride toxic to humans?

Vinyl chloride can be toxic at high levels of exposure and has been linked to serious health effects such as liver damage and cancer.

What are the potential health effects of exposure to Vinyl chloride?

Short-term Exposure

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies that short-term exposure to vinyl chloride can result in health effects such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.

Moreover, exposure to high concentrations of vinyl chloride may cause coma due to its narcotic effect on the central nervous system.

Long-term Exposure

Long-term exposure presents more serious health risks linked to liver damage and increased risk of cancers.

Specifically, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR), studies have indicated an association between exposure to vinyl chloride at levels higher than those allowed by OSHA standards, mainly leukaemia but also rare brain tumors known as gliomas, angiosarcoma of the liver, bladder cancer (in smokers) and lymphoma.

Inhalation

Knowing the potential health risks associated with inhalation exposure to vinyl chloride is important.

• In short-term exposure situations, it may cause dizziness, lightheadedness and headaches.
• Long-term inhalation can lead to serious health effects such as cancer and liver damage.

Therefore, protective masks and respirators should be worn when handling vinyl chloride.

Skin Contact

Besides inhalation, skin contact with vinyl chloride is also a potential source of exposure.

• Direct contact with liquid or vaporized chemical forms can cause skin irritation and, in some cases, allergic reactions such as dermatitis.
• Prolonged or repeated contact may result in more serious health effects, including inflammation, dermatitis and sensitization. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves, should be worn when handling vinyl chloride.

Vinyl chloride is a synthetic organic chemical used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Protective gear such as masks, gloves, clothing, and eye protection should always be worn when handling vinyl chloride to reduce the risk of exposure. In the event of contact with skin, wash with soap and water immediately.

What protective measures should be taken when working with Vinyl chloride?

When working with vinyl chloride, it is important to take precautionary measures to protect oneself from potential health risks. The following protective measures should be taken to minimize the chances of exposure:

• Wear Appropriate Protective Gear: It is essential to wear appropriate protective gear such as masks, gloves, clothing and eye protection when handling vinyl chloride. If contact with liquid or vaporized chemical forms occurs, wash with soap and water immediately.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is key in reducing exposure to vinyl chloride. It is important to ensure that the workplace has adequate ventilation and exhaust systems to keep air contaminant levels low.
• Use Appropriate Storage Containers: Vinyl chloride should be stored in appropriate sealed containers away from sources of heat, flame or sparks. In addition, it is also important to label containers containing vinyl chloride with warning labels.
• Dispose of Properly: Vinyl chloride should be properly disposed of by local, state and federal regulations.
• Training: Workers must receive proper training on the hazards associated with vinyl chloride. The training should include information on how to handle and store the chemical and what protective measures need to be taken to minimize exposure. In addition, it is also important to ensure that workers are aware of the potential health risks associated with vinyl chloride exposure and are familiar with safety protocols in the event of an emergency.

Ultimately, Monitoring the exposure levels of workers who come into contact with vinyl chloride regularly is also important. Regular monitoring will ensure that any adverse health effects are identified early, and appropriate action can be taken to reduce the exposure levels.

In addition, workers should also be encouraged to report any symptoms they may be experiencing due to their exposure to vinyl chloride. All reports should be taken seriously and investigated further to ensure the safety of all personnel.

How to deal with a vinyl chloride spill?

In the event of a vinyl chloride spill, it is imperative to take immediate action to minimize the risk of contamination and exposure. The following steps should be taken to deal with a vinyl chloride spill safely:

1. Alert all personnel in the area and evacuate if necessary.

2. Identify the source of the spill and limit access to the affected area until it has been secured.

3. Do not attempt to clean up the spill with an open flame or sparks, as this could cause a fire or explosion.

4. Wear appropriate protective gear when handling the spill, including a respirator, goggles, and protective clothing.

5. Absorb the liquid vinyl chloride with an absorbent material such as sand or sawdust and place it in a sealed container for disposal.

6. Dispose of the absorbent material following local, state and federal regulations.

7. Clean contaminated surfaces with a solution of mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the area completely before allowing personnel to return to the area.

8. Monitor the air quality in the affected area to ensure that personnel are safe to return.

9. Notify local health and safety authorities as soon as possible.

10. Document all steps to clean up the spill for future reference.