Hazardous Revelations from the Plastics Industry — Science News, September 7, 1974
In the United States, over 29 billion pounds of plastic are manufactured annually. Approximately 2.5 million workers are involved in the large-scale production of these materials…. Numerous chemicals utilized in the creation of plastics are so toxic that they pose significant health risks to workers. Earlier this year, 15 workers exposed to vinyl chloride succumbed to a rare, chemically induced liver cancer. Vinyl chloride is a key component in PVC, a non-carcinogenic plastic commonly employed for water pipes, IV bags, and various other products. Safety regulations for vinyl chloride were established in 1975. Currently, U.S. workers’ exposure to this chemical is strictly controlled. However, the future of vinyl chloride may be uncertain. In July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a comprehensive review of vinyl chloride’s safety and environmental impact, which could lead to a ban. This proposal follows a train derailment in Ohio in 2023, which exposed a local community to vinyl chloride and other dangerous chemicals. Residents reported symptoms such as respiratory issues and headaches, but it remains unclear what long-term cancer risks this exposure may entail.
