[net.med] New vinyl smell

fmc@pyuxqq.UUCP (01/31/84)

Whenever I open a new vinyl product such as shower curtain liners,
A horrible smell is released that lasts for several days.  I believe
that the chemical "vinyl chloride" is a known cancer-causing agent.
Does anyone know if the "new vinyl" smell is caused by vinyl chloride?
If it is, how dangerous is it to be breathed?

rjb@akgua.UUCP (R.J. Brown [Bob]) (02/02/84)

Vinyl Chloride gas is ( I think ) an odorless and
colorless gas that is the monomer that PVC or "vinyl"
plastic is made from.  I suspect that the new vinyl
smell is caused by evaporation of the solvents and
other volatiles that might be part of the plasticizer(s)
in the vinyl.

Bob Brown {...pur-ee!inuxc!ihnp4!clyde!akgua!rjb}
AT&T Technologies, Inc.............. Norcross, Ga
(404) 447-3784 ...  Cornet 583-3784

marysue@hpfclk.UUCP (02/11/84)

Re: New vinyl smell

I believe the smell of new vinyl is plasticizers, rather that vinyl
chloride.  Once these outgas, what's left is vinyl.  I think that
vinyl chloride can be released if the vinyl is heated to a fairly 
high temperature, but I'm sort of talking out of my head now.  I 
have a LOT of chemical sensitivities, so when I get a new item
that is made of vinyl, I wash it with (unperfumed) soap and put it
outside to air out for several days.  I suspect that even a person
who is not aware of an allergy problem should not breathe these 
things indiscriminately.

Mary Sue Rowan
hpfcla!marysue