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