In Defense of Vinyl

The letter criticizing vinyl in

EBN

Vol. 10, No. 11 (“PVC Toxicity and Sustainable Materials”) was highly biased and misleading. The writer implied that burning vinyl presents a unique threat to homeowners, firefighters, and the environment. In fact, almost anything burning emits numerous toxic materials, especially carbon monoxide, which firefighters recognize as the real threat in building fires because it is colorless and odorless. Burning wood (whether in a fireplace or building fire) can generate dioxin, among other toxic gases. The main difference between vinyl and wood under a flame is that vinyl generally is slow to catch fire and tends to put itself out when the flame source is removed.

www.epa.gov/ncea/pdfs/dioxin/factsheets/dioxin_short.pdf.

By the way, vinyl production and use have risen as dioxin levels have fallen.

The vinyl industry believes in and practices product stewardship. We have made great strides in reducing emissions and protecting workers and the environment, and we are committed to doing more. Meanwhile, vinyl products such as durable and energy-efficient window profiles and reflective roofs are helping to cut energy use, which contributes importantly to protecting the environment.

Tim Burns, President

The Vinyl Institute

Alexandria, Virginia