Is PVC Toxic?

PVC is made from vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen. ATSDR says vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is used in plastic products including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. It notes that the US Department of Health and Human Services classifies vinyl chloride as a known human carcinogen, the EPA classifies it as a known human carcinogen by inhalation, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined it is carcinogenic to humans.

Typical levels are lower than those known to cause harm, ATSDR says, while breathing high levels of vinyl chloride can cause dizziness or sleepiness and extremely high levels can cause death. A health FAQ posted by the EPA for the East Palestine derailment response says air inside new cars may contain low levels of vinyl chloride that outgas from new plastic parts, and drinking water may contain low levels released from contact with PVC pipes.

Additives and fire are two other concerns. The FDA says ortho-phthalates are chemicals used in plastic products, most commonly PVC, also known as vinyl, to make the material soft and less brittle. A 1987 National Bureau of Standards assessment of PVC combustion, posted by the EPA, says the main toxic products from PVC fires are hydrogen chloride, a sensory and pulmonary irritant, and carbon monoxide, an asphyxiant.

The EPA designated vinyl chloride a high priority chemical in December 2024, and says it is currently undergoing risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.