Manufacturers and processors of uPVC are constantly being queried about the risks to health. During the course of its history, this material has certainly given cause for concern. The industry has learned from experience and, together with the authorities, has introduced preventative measures to eliminate every conceivable risk. Today it can be stated that where up-to-date technology is being used, the handling of uPVC is absolutely safe.
Up to the beginning of the seventies, the gaseous, monomeric vinyl chloride (VC) was a negative aspect in the production of uPVC, which led to illness. Simultaneously, there was the suspicion that uPVC end products might also , under adverse circumstances, emit the remaining VC.
This problem has been solved. The measures introduced to improve technical industrial production and working hygiene have led to the disappearance of this critical substance. The limits of the technical standards of concentration demonstrate the advances that have been achieved; a reduction from 500ppm in 1970 to 2ppm in 1977. This corresponds to a remaining concentration of 0.0001% in the uPVC powder. This has made the processing of uPVC completely hazard free. The industry is free of dust and fumes, enjoys high technical standards and is automated to a large degree. There are no recognizable risks to health at any point in the production process.
That which applies to a uPVC powder also applies to the additives and the end product. Everything which is added to the uPVC is subject to strict regulations. When, a number of years ago, the adverse effects of the heavy metals were discovered the stabilizers containing cadmium were checked and readjusted. DoubleGlazed.com window profiles are now manufactured without cadmium.
uPVC has every reason to worry about its reputation, as it is used in areas where hazards are absolutely unacceptable – in the medical industry and as packaging for food stuffs.
The fact that uPVC is absolutely safe was demonstrated in an impressive way when a model house for allergetics and asthmatics was presented by medical and technical experts. This house had to be free of all irritants. uPVC was the chosen material for the windows.