Vinyl chloride (also called vinyl chloride monomer, or VCM) is an organochloride with the formula H₂C=CHCl. It is a colourless gas at room temperature and pressure, with a faintly sweet odour. Vinyl chloride is highly toxic, flammable, and carcinogenic.
This compound is one of the most important industrial feedstocks, used primarily in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
What is Vinyl Chloride used for?
The major use of vinyl chloride is in the production of PVC, which is then used to manufacture:
Pipes, hoses, wire and cable coatings
Packaging materials and plastic containers
Furniture and automotive upholstery
Windows, flooring, wall coverings, housewares, and outdoor furniture
Credit/ATM cards, wrapping film, and automotive parts
Historically, vinyl chloride was also used as a refrigerant, but this practice has been discontinued due to health risks.
The primary use of vinyl chloride is in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is widely used to manufacture durable products such as plastic pipes, hoses, and wire and cable coatings.
In the Environment
Vinyl chloride evaporates rapidly from soil and water.
In the air, it breaks down within days to other substances, some of which may also be harmful.
Small amounts can dissolve in water, but vinyl chloride does not bioaccumulate significantly in plants or animals.
Landfills and hazardous waste sites can be a source of long-term release.
Sources & Routes of Exposure
Sources of Emission
Industrial: production and processing facilities, especially in the chemical and plastics industries (mainly emissions to air).
Diffuse: landfills and wastewater treatment plants containing vinyl chloride or chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Natural: does not occur naturally.
Consumer products: trace amounts may be released from newly manufactured PVC products.
Routes of Exposure
Occupational: workers inhaling contaminated air in PVC production facilities.
Environmental: breathing air near landfills or hazardous waste sites, or drinking contaminated water.
Direct contact: skin or eye contact in workplaces where vinyl chloride is present.
Health Effects
Acute Toxicity
Humans: high-level inhalation causes dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, and impaired coordination. At very high concentrations, it may cause unconsciousness, lung and kidney irritation, and blood clotting issues.
Animals: inhalation studies show vinyl chloride has high acute toxicity.
Irritation: mild eye and respiratory tract irritation reported in exposed workers.
Chronic Toxicity
Liver damage is a primary effect of long-term exposure (via inhalation or ingestion).
A condition termed “vinyl chloride disease” has been reported in some workers, involving Raynaud’s phenomenon (blanching/numb fingers in cold), bone changes at fingertips, joint/muscle pain, and thickened, less elastic skin.
IARC classification: carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
EPA estimates:
Inhalation unit risk: 8.8 × 10⁻⁶ (µg/m³)⁻¹
Oral cancer slope factor: 1.5 (mg/kg/day)⁻¹
Safety
First Aid Measures
Eye contact: Remove contact lenses if present. Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. To prevent static discharge or ignition, soak clothing with water before removal. Wash clothing and shoes thoroughly before reuse. Seek immediate medical attention.
Frostbite: Warm affected tissue gently and seek medical attention.
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. If breathing is irregular or has stopped, provide artificial respiration or oxygen from trained personnel. Loosen tight clothing and seek urgent medical help.
Ingestion: Not applicable (vinyl chloride is a gas). Treat as per inhalation exposure.
Fire and Explosion Information
Flammable gas: Flash point –79.15 °C; auto-ignition temperature 472 °C.
In fire situations, use water spray (fog), foam, or dry chemical.
If gas flow cannot be stopped safely, allow it to burn under controlled conditions.
Apply water from a safe distance to cool containers and surrounding equipment.
Heating may cause containers to rupture and explode.
Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in positive pressure mode.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Use only with adequate ventilation and explosion-proof equipment.
Local exhaust or process enclosures are required to keep vinyl chloride levels below statutory exposure limits and lower explosive limits.
Personal Protective Equipment
Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles (approved standard) to protect against liquid splashes or mists.
Skin protection: Chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing appropriate to the task.
Respiratory protection: Air-purifying or supplied-air respirators (approved standard) based on exposure levels. SCBA required for high concentrations or large spills.
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration has set the following Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for vinyl chloride:
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for vinyl chloride is 1 ppm TWA; Appendix A1 - Confirmed Human Carcinogen
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has classified vinyl chloride as Appendix A - NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens
EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency regulates vinyl chloride in drinking water, food, and air. The EPA requires that the amount of vinyl chloride in drinking water not exceed 0.002 milligrams per litre (mg/L) of water.
FDA: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the vinyl chloride content of various plastics. These include plastics that carry liquids and plastics that contact food. The limits for vinyl chloride content vary depending on the nature of the plastic and its use.
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Currently, the eight-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit is 13 milligrams of vinyl chloride per cubic metre of air. A 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL) has not been recommended. Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: In 2004, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and National Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) established that no safe concentration level can be confidently set for vinyl chloride, however the concentration should be less than 0.0003 milligrams per litre of water, the limit of scientific determination for this substance.
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