PVC boots sneakers & clothing offgassing
QUESTION:
Hello all,
I am looking for info about the safety of being exposed to large quantities of pvc boots and sneaker. I live above a store which is currently storing large amounts (cases & cases) of large rubber rainboots in my basement. The smell when you enter my hallway (there is a door to the basement there) is terrible - a strong industrial cleaning smell. At other times they have sneakers & the smell is differnt (glue? rubber?) but also bad - there are also tons of imported garments in and out of poly bags.
I am wondering what are health risks for my children & I and what best steps would be. I think they would install a ventilation system if I had any hard information.
Any help would be appreciated!
POSTED BY LISA :: NEW YORK USA :: 09/21/2006 6:11 AM
DEBRA'S ANSWER:
According to the environmental group Greenpeace, which calls PVC "one of the most toxic substances saturating our planet and its inhabitants," PVC products such as vinyl flooring can release chemical softeners called phthalates. PVC flooring has been associated with increases in cases of asthma and lead additives in PVC mini-blinds have been found to cause lead poisoning in some children.
An Evaluation of the Hazards of Toys and other Products made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a fairly long and detailed summary of the problems with PVC, including references, but it is written for consumers and covers all the points I am aware of. You'll get a good idea from this what the concerns are and may be able to get the data you need for your situation from the references in this article, or Greenpeace.
I do strongly suggest that you bring this up with them and help them find a solution, not only for your health but for theirs. Of course, it would be best for them not to sell these products at all, and they shouldn't be manufactured in the first place. A ventilation system might clear the air for you and their employees, but it would still send the toxic fumes into the environment.
Myself, I would be inclined to move to a different apartment.
Debra :-)
