PVC Packaging Under Fire in California
by Ashley Schiller
Published on July 14th, 2008
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A bill phasing out polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging by 2015 is being circulated in the California Legislature, reports the Ventura County Star.
Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica, cites the human health risk and environmental damage of PVC as reasoning behind the bill. It is sponsored by the nonprofit organization Californians Against Waste.
PVC packaging often contains lead and cadmium, which are known to cause health issues, according to Californians Against Waste.
The plastic also causes environmental damage in both its production and disposal. PVC containers and discarded packaging make up 32 percent of landfill waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The chemistry industry and other business groups oppose the bill. They argue that PVC is cost-effective, versatile and requires less energy to produce than alternative packaging.
The bill has passed the Assembly and awaits action in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Find locations where you can recycle PVC using Earth 911.
