The effects of PVC Windows and Doors on the Environment and Human Health

Abstract

PVC (polyvinyl chloride), with its specific and versatile technical properties, is a kind of plastic that has a wide area of utilization from building sector to packing, electronics and toys. In the world, more than 50 percent of PVC is used in building sector (window section, door, shutter, wall, ground and  roofings) and thanks to its cheapness, PVC replaces such traditional construction products as iron, copper and wood. However, PVC has been under criticism since the beginning of 1970s because of emitting harmful substances for the environment and human health during the phases of use and recycling. PVC door and window producers assert that most of the problems PVC was thought to pose for the environment have been solved and that it is unfair to criticise and conceive PVC of as a problematic product. It may be said that PVC sector has achieved to reduce the harms of PVC to the environment with the advancing technologies in recent years and that more attention has been paid to the selection of harmful fillers added to PVC. But, this should not mean that PVC is an unproblematic product for human health and environment. This study investigated the effects of PVC on the environment and human health, evaluated the production, use and recycling processes of PVC in building sector and elaborated upon probable troubles and solutions.