{"hq_id":"hq-m-str-000001","name":"Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)","type":"polymer","description":"PVC is the most chemically complex of the seven resin codes — not because of the polymer backbone itself, but because of what it requires to be usable. Rigid uPVC (pipes, window frames) is processed with heat stabilizers; historically lead and cadmium, now typically organotin or calcium-zinc. Flexible PVC — the rain jacket, the IV bag, the shower curtain, the food wrap — requires 20 to 60 percent phthalate plasticizers by weight, because without them the material is rigid and brittle. DEHP, the dominant plasticizer for decades, is an IARC Group 3 compound, an endocrine disruptor, restricted in children's products and food contact applications in the EU, and documented as migrating continuously into food, fluids, and air under ordinary conditions. Medical patients in ICUs can receive milligram-scale daily DEHP doses purely from IV bag and tubing contact — the FDA acknowledges this and recommends DEHP-free alternatives for NICU patients, though PVC IV bags remain the global standard. Burned in an incinerator, PVC generates some of the most toxic persistent organic pollutants known: dioxins and furans, which accumulate in food chains and are associated with cancer and endocrine disruption at parts-per-trillion concentrations. PVC's defenders note that when properly used and disposed of, regulated-additive PVC is safe; critics counter that 'proper disposal' rarely describes what actually happens to hundreds of millions of tons of PVC across a global economy. The European Chemicals Agency has restricted more PVC additives through REACH than any other polymer class — which reflects both the chemical complexity of the material and the sustained advocacy that has pushed regulatory attention onto it.","overall_risk_level":"high","composition":{"notes":"PVC is produced by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). In its pure form, rigid PVC (uPVC) requires minimal additives. Flexible PVC — the form found in most consumer products — requires substantial quantities of plasticizers (commonly phthalates) to be workable. PVC also requires heat stabilizers (historically lead or cadmium compounds; now often organotin or calcium-zinc) because the base polymer degrades rapidly at processing temperatures without them. The hazard profile of PVC products varies dramatically between rigid and flexible formulations.","additives":[{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000007","compound_name":"Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)","function":"plasticizer","typical_percentage":"20–60% by weight in flexible PVC","notes":"DEHP (CAS 117-81-7) is the dominant plasticizer in flexible PVC globally. It is an endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant (EU Category 1B). ECHA listed DEHP as a SVHC under REACH; it is restricted in children's toys, childcare articles, and food contact materials in the EU. Migration from flexible PVC is continuous — DEHP is not chemically bonded to the polymer matrix. Phthalates as a class (DEHP, DBP, BBzP, DINP, DIDP) are used in varying proportions depending on application."},{"compound_id":"hq-c-ino-000001","compound_name":"Lead-based heat stabilizers","function":"heat_stabilizer","typical_percentage":"1–5% in legacy PVC formulations","notes":"Lead compounds (tribasic lead sulfate, dibasic lead phosphite, lead stearate) were the dominant PVC heat stabilizers globally for decades. Banned in EU PVC from 2015 (REACH Annex XVII). Still used in significant quantities in Asia, Middle East, and Africa. Lead stabilizers are present in legacy PVC water pipes, cable insulation, and building materials installed before ~2005 in Europe, longer elsewhere. No hq-c ID yet — see hq-c-ino-000175 as placeholder."},{"compound_id":"hq-c-ino-000005","compound_name":"Cadmium-based heat stabilizers","function":"heat_stabilizer","typical_percentage":"0.5–2% in legacy PVC formulations","notes":"Cadmium compounds were widely used as co-stabilizers in PVC. Banned in EU from 2001 (cadmium in PVC) and phased out in North America during 1990s–2000s. Legacy PVC products (pre-2001 EU, pre-2000 US) may contain cadmium stabilizers. Cadmium is IARC Group 1 (known human carcinogen) and a persistent environmental contaminant. No hq-c ID yet — see hq-c-ino-000174 as placeholder."},{"compound_id":"hq-c-mix-000019","compound_name":"Organotin stabilizers (DBTL, MBTL)","function":"heat_stabilizer","typical_percentage":"0.5–2% in modern rigid PVC","notes":"Dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL) and monobutyltin are current-generation heat stabilizers that replaced lead/cadmium in many markets. Organotin compounds are endocrine disruptors — tributyltin (TBT) is ECHA SVHC-listed. DBTL has lower toxicity than TBT but still requires regulatory scrutiny in food contact applications."},{"compound_id":null,"compound_name":"Calcium-zinc stabilizers","function":"heat_stabilizer","typical_percentage":"1–3% in food-contact and 'green' PVC","notes":"Ca-Zn stabilizer systems are the preferred modern alternative to lead/cadmium, widely adopted in EU post-2015. Used in food-contact PVC and 'eco-label' PVC. Lower toxicological concern than legacy stabilizer classes, though complete long-term migration data is limited.","compound_id_status":"functional_class"}],"contaminants":[{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000008","compound_name":"Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM)","source":"Incomplete polymerization during manufacturing","notes":"Residual VCM (IARC Group 1 carcinogen) in finished PVC is regulated: EU food contact PVC SML = 0.01 mg/kg food; US FDA 21 CFR: 1 ppm in PVC food packaging. Migration is minimal at regulated levels but occupational exposure during manufacturing and thermal processing of PVC represents the primary VCM inhalation pathway."}],"components":[{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000008","compound_name":"Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM)","percentage":"~57% by mass in polymer chain (structural monomer unit)","notes":"VCM (CAS 75-01-4) is a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). It is not an additive — it is the structural monomer of PVC. Residual unpolymerized VCM remains in the finished product at regulated trace levels. Occupational exposure during PVC manufacture is associated with angiosarcoma of the liver. OSHA PEL: 1 ppm (8-hr TWA); ACGIH TLV-TWA: 1 ppm."}],"hazardous_components":[]},"behavior":{"leaching":{"conditions":[{"trigger":"heat","compounds_released":["hq-c-org-000007"],"notes":"According to multiple peer-reviewed migration studies (including Schettler 2006 and EFSA 2005 assessments), phthalate migration from flexible PVC into food and liquid increases with temperature. Microwaving food covered with flexible PVC wrap or stored in flexible PVC containers dramatically increases DEHP migration. Hot food placed in flexible PVC containers is a high-risk scenario.","source_refs":["src_001","src_002"]},{"trigger":"oils","compounds_released":["hq-c-org-000007"],"notes":"Fatty foods (cheese, meat, oily takeout) in contact with flexible PVC wraps or containers show significantly elevated phthalate migration. DEHP is lipophilic — it partitions preferentially into fatty food matrices. EU Regulation 10/2011 prohibits DEHP in food contact plastics; older PVC cling films may still be in consumer use.","source_refs":["src_001","src_003"]},{"trigger":"time","compounds_released":["hq-c-org-000007"],"notes":"DEHP migration from flexible PVC is continuous even at ambient temperature. Long-term storage of fatty foods in flexible PVC containers or extended contact with PVC cling wrap results in cumulative exposure. Medical applications (PVC IV bags, blood bags) are a specific concern — DEHP migration into infused fluids over time is well-documented.","source_refs":["src_001"]},{"trigger":"acids","compounds_released":["hq-c-org-000007"],"notes":"Acidic foods and beverages increase phthalate migration rate from flexible PVC, though less dramatically than fatty foods. Combination of acid + heat is a compound risk factor.","source_refs":["src_002"]}]},"degradation":{"biodegradable":false,"degradation_time":"Estimated 450+ years in landfill; thermal degradation at elevated temperatures (>60°C) releases HCl gas; UV photodegradation produces surface chalking and microplastic release","degradation_products":["hq-c-org-000009","PVC microplastic particles","hydrochloric acid gas (HCl)"],"microplastic_risk":true,"notes":"PVC incineration is a major public health concern: incomplete combustion generates dioxins and furans (hq-c-org-000009) — among the most toxic persistent organic pollutants known. This is why PVC is specifically excluded from many municipal waste-to-energy schemes. In landfill, phthalate plasticizers continue to leach into groundwater. PVC microplastics carry the full additive package (phthalates, stabilizer residues) into the environment."},"offgassing":{"vocs_released":["hq-c-org-000008","hq-c-org-000007"],"conditions":"New flexible PVC products off-gas VCM (trace) and DEHP vapor continuously at room temperature. The characteristic 'new car smell' in vehicles with PVC interior components is partially DEHP and other phthalate volatilization. Elevated ambient temperatures (parked car in sun) increase off-gassing rates significantly.","source_refs":["src_004"]},"thermal":{"decomposition_temp_c":260,"pyrolysis_products":["HCl gas","dioxins (PCDD/Fs)","furans","carbon monoxide"],"combustion_toxicity":"Highly toxic — HCl gas, dioxins, and furans released during combustion; PVC fires produce acutely toxic hydrogen chloride gas","fire_classification":"Self-extinguishing (high chlorine content); UL 94 V-0 for rigid PVC"}},"hazard_profile":{"primary_hazards":["Leaching (heat): According to multiple peer-reviewed migration studies (including Schettler 2006 and EFSA 2005 assessments), phthalate mi","Leaching (oils): Fatty foods (cheese, meat, oily takeout) in contact with flexible PVC wraps or containers show significantly elevated ph","Leaching (time): DEHP migration from flexible PVC is continuous even at ambient temperature. Long-term storage of fatty foods in flexible","Leaching (acids): Acidic foods and beverages increase phthalate migration rate from flexible PVC, though less dramatically than fatty food","Microplastic generation during degradation","Degradation products: hq-c-org-000009, PVC microplastic particles, hydrochloric acid gas (HCl)","VOC off-gassing: hq-c-org-000008, hq-c-org-000007","DEHP and other phthalate plasticizers — reproductive and endocrine disruptors; continuous migration from flexible PVC into food, liquid, and air","Residual VCM (IARC Group 1 carcinogen) — occupational exposure during manufacture; trace migration in food contact","Lead stabilizers in legacy PVC (pre-2015 EU, ongoing in other markets) — neurotoxic, cumulative, no safe threshold","Dioxin (PCDD/PCDF) generation during incineration — POP; IARC Group 1; nanogram-scale toxic equivalency"],"manufacturing_hazards":["Thermal: Highly toxic — HCl gas, dioxins, and furans released during combustion; PVC fires produce acutely toxic hydrogen chloride gas","Pyrolysis products: HCl gas, dioxins (PCDD/Fs), furans"],"use_phase_hazards":["ingestion, inhalation: DEHP and other phthalate plasticizers — reproductive and endocrine disruptors; continuous migration from flexible PVC into food, liquid, and air","inhalation, ingestion: Residual VCM (IARC Group 1 carcinogen) — occupational exposure during manufacture; trace migration in food contact","ingestion, dust inhalation (deteriorating PVC): Lead stabilizers in legacy PVC (pre-2015 EU, ongoing in other markets) — neurotoxic, cumulative, no safe threshold","inhalation (ambient air near incineration): Dioxin (PCDD/PCDF) generation during incineration — POP; IARC Group 1; nanogram-scale toxic equivalency"],"end_of_life_hazards":["Persistence: Estimated 450+ years in landfill; thermal degradation at elevated temperatures (>60°C) releases HCl gas; UV photodegradation produces surface chalking","Microplastic risk during degradation"]},"safety_summary":{"primary_concerns":[{"concern":"DEHP and other phthalate plasticizers — reproductive and endocrine disruptors; continuous migration from flexible PVC into food, liquid, and air","from_compound":"hq-c-org-000007","exposure_route":"ingestion, inhalation"},{"concern":"Residual VCM (IARC Group 1 carcinogen) — occupational exposure during manufacture; trace migration in food contact","from_compound":"hq-c-org-000008","exposure_route":"inhalation, ingestion"},{"concern":"Lead stabilizers in legacy PVC (pre-2015 EU, ongoing in other markets) — neurotoxic, cumulative, no safe threshold","from_compound":"hq-c-ino-000175","exposure_route":"ingestion, dust inhalation (deteriorating PVC)"},{"concern":"Dioxin (PCDD/PCDF) generation during incineration — POP; IARC Group 1; nanogram-scale toxic equivalency","from_compound":"hq-c-org-000009","exposure_route":"inhalation (ambient air near incineration)"}],"sensitive_populations":["Infants and young children (higher phthalate exposure per body weight from PVC toys, teethers, flooring; DEHP restricted in childcare articles EU/US)","Pregnant individuals (DEHP crosses placental barrier; fetal phthalate exposure is associated with altered sex hormone levels and reproductive development in animal studies)","Medical patients receiving IV therapy via PVC bags — DEHP migration into infused fluids is well-documented; NICU patients at highest risk per body weight","Workers in PVC manufacturing — occupational VCM inhalation risk; vinyl chloride-associated angiosarcoma of the liver"],"notes":"PVC has the most complex hazard profile of the common resin codes due to its additive-dependent nature: the base polymer requires both plasticizers (in flexible forms) and heat stabilizers, and the historical choices for both (phthalates + lead/cadmium) are among the most regulated substances in consumer safety law. EU REACH restrictions progressively restrict DEHP, DBP, and BBzP in consumer articles. FDA restricts phthalate use in food contact PVC and medical device PVC. The 'vinyl' used in flooring, cable insulation, and plumbing is a different formulation from the 'PVC' in food wrap, medical devices, and clothing — all share the polymer backbone but the additive package determines the hazard. | Carcinogenicity: Vinyl Chloride (IARC Group 1); Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (IARC Group 2B) | Endocrine disruption: Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (suspected_endocrine_disruptor); Tin (organotin compounds) (suspected_endocrine_disruptor)","risk_level":"high"},"safety_contexts":[{"context":"occupational","risk_level":"high","notes":"Derived from hazard profile manufacturing and use-phase hazards"},{"context":"consumer","risk_level":"high","route":"ingestion, inhalation, inhalation, ingestion, ingestion, dust inhalation (deteriorating PVC), inhalation (ambient air near incineration)","notes":"Derived from safety summary primary concerns"},{"context":"environmental","risk_level":"moderate","notes":"Derived from environmental data"},{"context":"infants_and_young_children","risk_level":"high","notes":"Infants and young children (higher phthalate exposure per body weight from PVC toys, teethers, flooring; DEHP restricted in childcare articles EU/US)"},{"context":"pregnant_individuals","risk_level":"high","notes":"Pregnant individuals (DEHP crosses placental barrier; fetal phthalate exposure is associated with altered sex hormone levels and reproductive development in animal studies)"},{"context":"medical_patients_receiving_iv_","risk_level":"high","notes":"Medical patients receiving IV therapy via PVC bags — DEHP migration into infused fluids is well-documented; NICU patients at highest risk per body weight"},{"context":"workers_in_pvc_manufacturing_—","risk_level":"high","notes":"Workers in PVC manufacturing — occupational VCM inhalation risk; vinyl chloride-associated angiosarcoma of the liver"}],"regulatory":{"classifications":{"carcinogenicity_aggregate":{"highest_iarc_group":null,"from_compound":null,"n_compounds_assessed":5},"prop65_listed_compounds":[{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000007","name":"Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate"},{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000008","name":"Vinyl Chloride"}],"edc_flagged_compounds":[{"compound_id":"hq-c-mix-000019","name":"Tin (organotin compounds)"},{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000007","name":"Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate"}],"svhc_candidates":[{"compound_id":"hq-c-mix-000019","name":"Tin (organotin compounds)"},{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000007","name":"Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate"}],"material_type_frameworks":[{"framework":"EU REACH","applicability":"Registration and SVHC notification for monomers and additives >1 ton/year","key_restrictions":"Phthalate restrictions (Entry 51/52), PFAS restriction (proposed)"},{"framework":"EU Food Contact (10/2011)","applicability":"Specific migration limits for plastic food-contact materials","key_restrictions":"Positive list of authorized monomers and additives. OML 10 mg/dm²."}],"source":"cross-referenced from compound regulatory data","date":"2026-03-16","epa_classifications":[{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000007","name":"Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate","classification":"RfD: 20 μg/kg/day"},{"compound_id":"hq-c-org-000008","name":"Vinyl Chloride","classification":"Known/likely to be carcinogenic to humans"}]},"restrictions":[],"migration_limits":{"eu_framework":{"framework":"EU Regulation (EU) No 10/2011","scope":"Plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food","overall_migration_limit":"10 mg/dm² (equivalent to 60 mg/kg food)","test_conditions":"Simulants A-E (ethanol 10%, acetic acid 3%, ethanol 20/50/95%, vegetable oil) at time/temperature of intended use","source":"Official Journal of the European Union L 12/1, 15.1.2011"},"fda_framework":{"framework":"FDA 21 CFR Parts 170–189","scope":"Substances used in food contact materials (indirect food additives)","approach":"Food Contact Notification (FCN) or Threshold of Regulation (TOR) exemption. Dietary concentration ≤0.5 ppb for TOR.","source":"FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition"},"overall_migration_limit":"10 mg/dm² or 60 mg/kg food (EU 10/2011)","specific_limits":[{"substance":"Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)","sml":"not detectable (LoD = 0.01 mg/kg)","regulation":"EU 10/2011 Annex I, Ref No 12150","notes":"VCM is IARC Group 1 carcinogen. No migration detectable."},{"substance":"DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate)","sml":"1.5 mg/kg food","regulation":"EU 10/2011 Annex I, Ref No 74640","notes":"Restricted to repeated-use articles only. Not permitted for infant food contact."},{"substance":"Total phthalates (DEHP+DBP+BBP+DINP)","sml":"Group SML 60 mg/kg","regulation":"EU 10/2011 as amended","notes":"Combined restriction for total phthalate migration"},{"substance":"Barium","sml":"1 mg/kg food","regulation":"EU 10/2011 Annex II","notes":"From PVC heat stabilizers"},{"substance":"Cadmium","sml":"0.002 mg/kg food","regulation":"EU 10/2011 Annex II","notes":"From pigments or stabilizers"},{"substance":"Lead","sml":"0.01 mg/kg food","regulation":"EU 10/2011 Annex II + Regulation (EU) 2023/2006","notes":"From pigments or stabilizers"}],"source":"EU 10/2011, FDA 21 CFR, BfR recommendations","date":"2026-03-16"},"certifications":{"food_contact":{"approved":null,"agencies":[],"regulation_refs":[],"notes":null},"toy_safety":{"compliant":null,"standards":[],"notes":null},"medical_device":{"biocompatible":null,"class":null,"notes":null},"building":{"emission_class":null,"fire_rating":null,"notes":null},"textile":{"oeko_tex":null,"gots":null,"bluesign":null,"notes":null},"environmental":{"cradle_to_cradle":null,"greenscreen":null,"rohs_compliant":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"notes":null,"by_jurisdiction":{"us_epa":"","us_osha":"","eu":"","other":[]}},"applications":["Building and construction: water supply pipes (uPVC), drain/waste/vent pipe (DWV), window frames (uPVC), vinyl siding, vinyl flooring (LVT/LVP), electrical cable insulation","Food contact and packaging: cling wrap / food wrap (flexible PVC), blister packaging (pharmaceutical and food), meat trays (some), bottle cap liners, wine cork alternatives","Medical devices: IV bags and tubing, blood bags, oxygen masks, dialysis tubing, catheters, surgical drains","Consumer products: inflatable toys and pool toys, rain gear and PVC clothing, shower curtains, garden hoses, automotive interior (dashboard, door panels), upholstered furniture (vinyl leather)","Wire and cable: electrical extension cords, appliance cords, data cables (PVC jacket), telecommunications cable"],"found_in":["water supply pipes (uPVC)","drain/waste/vent pipe (DWV)","window frames (uPVC)","vinyl siding","vinyl flooring (LVT/LVP)","electrical cable insulation","cling wrap / food wrap (flexible PVC)","blister packaging (pharmaceutical and food)","meat trays (some)","bottle cap liners","wine cork alternatives","IV bags and tubing","blood bags","oxygen masks","dialysis tubing","catheters","surgical drains","inflatable toys and pool toys","rain gear and PVC clothing","shower curtains","garden hoses","automotive interior (dashboard, door panels)","upholstered furniture (vinyl leather)","electrical extension cords","appliance cords","data cables (PVC jacket)","telecommunications cable"],"alternatives":[{"material_name":"Polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE) for pipes and film","tradeoffs":"No phthalates; no VCM; BPA-free; lower chemical resistance in some applications; see hq-m-str-000003, hq-m-str-000004"},{"material_name":"Polypropylene (PP) for rigid applications","tradeoffs":"No phthalates; no VCM; excellent chemical resistance; heat tolerant; lower impact strength than uPVC; see hq-m-str-000005"},{"material_name":"Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) for plumbing","tradeoffs":"Dominant modern alternative for hot/cold water supply; no lead stabilizers; lower chemical concern than PVC pipe; cannot be recycled"},{"material_name":"Silicone (for flexible/medical applications)","tradeoffs":"No phthalates; stable; FDA-cleared for medical devices; more expensive than PVC; temperature stable; see hq-m-str-000023 for profile"},{"material_name":"DEHP-free PVC (using DINP, DIDP, or non-phthalate plasticizers)","tradeoffs":"Reduced but not eliminated phthalate concern (DINP/DIDP are lower-hazard phthalates but still regulated class); not a true alternative — still PVC"}],"sources":[{"id":"src_001","type":"efsa","title":"Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food on a request from the Commission related to di-butylphthalate (DBP), di-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), butylbenzyl-phthalate (BBP) for use in food contact materials","url":"https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2005.243","accessed":"2026-03-07","year":2005,"notes":"EFSA foundational phthalate assessment for food contact materials including DEHP migration from flexible PVC"},{"id":"src_002","type":"journal","title":"Health concerns associated with chemical contaminants in food: phthalates","url":"https://doi.org/10.1016/S0278-6915(03)00035-0","accessed":"2026-03-07","year":2003,"notes":"Schettler; Toxicology Letters; comprehensive review of phthalate migration from PVC food contact materials and health effects"},{"id":"src_003","type":"echa","title":"DEHP identified as Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) for reproductive toxicity under REACH","url":"https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table/-/dislist/details/0b0236e180f5fa4c","accessed":"2026-03-07","year":2008,"notes":"ECHA SVHC listing for DEHP; basis for EU restrictions on DEHP in consumer articles and food contact materials"},{"id":"src_004","type":"journal","title":"Phthalates and their alternatives: health and environmental concerns","url":"https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-international-stateless/2019/11/163b3e42-phthalates-and-their-alternatives.pdf","accessed":"2026-03-07","year":2019,"notes":"Review of phthalate off-gassing from PVC products including automotive interior off-gassing data"},{"id":"src_005","type":"fda","title":"Safety Assessment of Di(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate (DEHP) Released from PVC Medical Devices","url":"https://www.fda.gov/media/76779/download","accessed":"2026-03-07","year":2001,"notes":"FDA assessment of DEHP migration from PVC medical devices; recommends DEHP-free alternatives for vulnerable patient populations including neonates"},{"id":"src_006","type":"iarc","title":"IARC Monographs Volume 19 — Vinyl Chloride (1978, confirmed Group 1 in subsequent evaluations)","url":"https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans/Some-Monomers-Plastics-And-Synthetic-Elastomers-And-Acrolein-1979","accessed":"2026-03-07","year":1979,"notes":"IARC Group 1 classification for vinyl chloride; associated with angiosarcoma of the liver in occupationally exposed workers"}],"environmental":{"end_of_life":{"recyclable":true,"recycling_code":null,"recycling_challenges":"Phthalate plasticizers and lead stabilizers contaminate recycled material streams, limiting closed-loop applications and requiring downcycling.","compostable":null,"compost_standard":null,"incineration_concerns":"Thermal decomposition below 260°C and combustion releases hydrochloric acid gas and potentially dioxins if temperature control is inadequate.","landfill_concerns":"Phthalates and lead stabilizers migrate into soil and groundwater over extended periods; polymeric backbone persists indefinitely.","notes":null},"persistence":{"classification":"persistent","degradation_time":"450+ years in landfill; negligible biodegradation","notes":null},"resource_depletion":{"raw_material_source":"Derived from petrochemicals via vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) synthesis from ethylene and chlorine.","supply_chain_concerns":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"identifiers":{"resin_code":3,"resin_abbreviation":"PVC","trade_names":["Vinyl","Vinoflex","Geon","Corvic"],"aliases":["PVC","vinyl","PVC plastic","rigid PVC","flexible PVC","vinyl chloride polymer","chlorinated plastic"],"cas_numbers":[]},"meta":{"created":"2026-03-07T00:00:00Z","created_by":"hexad","last_reviewed":"2026-03-16","reviewed_by":"set-status-active","version":16,"status":"active","revision_history":[{"version":1,"date":"2026-01-13T00:00:00Z","author":"hexad","note":"Initial entry — schema v1.0.0"},{"version":2,"date":"2026-03-07T00:00:00Z","author":"hexad","note":"Rewritten to schema v2.0.0; expanded composition, leaching, offgassing, safety_summary, the_story; updated compound cross-references"},{"version":3,"date":"2026-03-08T00:00:00Z","author":"hexad","note":"M-14 compound ID consolidation: replaced canonical duplicate IDs with core IDs (hq-c-org-001524→hq-c-org-000008 VCM, hq-c-org-001549→hq-c-org-000009 dioxins)"},{"version":4,"date":"2026-03-11","author":"migrate-v3","note":"Migrate to v3.0.0: +hq_id, regulatory, safety, environmental"},{"version":5,"date":"2026-03-11","author":"enrich-material-thermal","note":"Added thermal data: decomp 260°C"},{"version":6,"date":"2026-03-11","author":"enrich-material-trade-names","note":"Added trade names: Vinyl, Vinoflex, Geon, Corvic"},{"version":7,"date":"2026-03-11","author":"create-material-compound-stubs","note":"Resolved compound_ids from new compound stubs"},{"version":8,"date":"2026-03-11","author":"tag-compound-id-status","note":"Tagged null compound_id entries with classification status"},{"version":9,"date":"2026-03-12","author":"set-status-active","note":"Promoted status from draft to active"},{"version":10,"date":"2026-03-12","author":"enrich-material-environmental-safety","note":"Phase 7: xref carcinogenicity/endocrine"},{"version":11,"date":"2026-03-12","author":"enrich-material-environmental-safety","note":"Phase 7: Haiku env+safety"},{"version":14,"date":"2026-03-18","author":"normalize-material-schema","note":"Schema normalization to v4.0.0 canonical format (from era A)"},{"version":15,"date":"2026-03-18","author":"normalize-material-schema","note":"Schema normalization to v4.0.0 canonical format (from era A)"},{"version":16,"date":"2026-03-18","author":"migrate-material-ids-tiered","note":"Tier migration: hq-m-str-000001 (STR-PLY)"}],"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-18","sources_summary":[]},"material_tier":"STR","material_sub_tier":"PLY","material_tier_secondary":[]}