Polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC or vinyl, is arguably one of the most toxic types of plastic in our lives. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels. This fact sheet discusses possible health risks from exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride typically found in drinking water wells. One reason why PVC is so toxic is that it is often mixed with softening chemicals called plasticizers, the most well known variety being phalates. Studies in workers who inhale vinyl chloride over many years show an increased risk of … Acute (short-term) exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride in air has resulted in central nervous system (CNS) effects, such as … Vinyl chloride … A copy of the physician's statement shall be provided each employee. Sloane K. Tilley, Rebecca C. Fry, in Systems Biology in Toxicology and Environmental Health, 2015. Vinyl Chloride 75-01-4 _____ Hazard Summary . References: cancer.gov, OSHA, IARC, CDC Prolonged exposure can cause cancer in the liver, brain, blood and lungs. Vinyl chloride is a synthetic, colorless gas. 5. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a maximum contaminant level of 2 ppb of vinyl chloride for public drinking water supplies. Angiosarcoma attacks the lining of blood vessels, and can occur in any area of the body. Do standards exist for exposure to vinyl chloride? Vinyl chloride is classified as Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC, meaning it is seen as a definite cause of cancer in humans. September 2015 Vinyl Chloride What is vinyl chloride? Vinyl chloride exposure has been shown to increase the risk of a rare form of liver cancer called angiosarcoma. If vinyl chloride is detected in your water, contact your local or state health department. It burns easily. (1,2) Vinyl Chloride 1. Portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and angiosarcoma of the liver (ASL) have been reported among workers exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) since the 1970s. The odds ratio (OR) for ever exposure to vinyl chloride was 1.05 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.68-1.62) and a modest, non-significant increase in the risk of lung cancer was found in the highest exposed subgroup. In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer established the association of VCM with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), though o … Exposure Sources of Vinyl Chloride. (1,2) Assessing Personal Exposure Vinyl chloride can be detected in urine and body tissues, but the tests are not reliable indicators of total exposure. Primary exposure to vinyl chloride occurs through inhalation. Under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) P.L. PREFACE. A statement of each employee's suitability for continued exposure to vinyl chloride including use of protective equipment and respirators, shall be obtained from the examining physician promptly after any examination. 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