When choosing flooring materials for commercial spaces, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and large commercial projects, making an informed decision about materials is essential. While polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been widely used in flooring products for its affordability and durability, research indicates that its environmental and health impacts make it a material to avoid. Here, we delve into what PVC is, why it’s hazardous, and why Spectrum Floors recommends considering alternative, safer materials.
Table Of Contents
What is PVC?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer created through complex chemical processes involving various toxic substances. PVC’s versatility makes it a common choice in construction and interior design for applications like pipes, flooring, and window frames. However, the compounds used in PVC manufacturing and the chemicals it emits throughout its life present numerous health and environmental risks.
For a comprehensive look at these dangers, Spectrum Floors’ report on the hidden toxicity of PVC provides valuable insights.
Why PVC is Hazardous in Flooring
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Vinyl Chloride Exposure
Vinyl chloride, a key component in PVC manufacturing, is a colourless gas with a mild, sweet smell. This substance is a known human carcinogen, meaning it has been directly linked to cancer in humans. Exposure can occur during both manufacturing and everyday use, as PVC products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for their entire lifecycle.
Vinyl chloride poses significant inhalation risks. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classify it as carcinogenic by inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure routes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) similarly recognises its cancer-causing potential. This substance alone presents a compelling reason to reconsider PVC flooring for spaces where indoor air quality is a priority.
Presence of Toxic Additives
PVC products are often stabilised with heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, which prevent them from degrading quickly. However, these metals are persistent and bioaccumulative, posing long-term risks to both human health and the environment. For instance, as PVC flooring deteriorates, it can release these metals into the surrounding air, soil, or groundwater, creating lasting contamination issues.
Studies on PVC’s toxic impacts have shown that these metals contribute to neurological and developmental health problems, especially in children and other vulnerable populations. Choosing flooring without these toxic additives supports a healthier, more sustainable environment.
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Incineration Hazards and Emissions During Manufacture
When PVC is burned, it releases harmful chemicals, including hydrochloric acid and dioxins. Dioxins are highly toxic compounds associated with a range of health issues, from immune system damage to cancer. Moreover, PVC’s manufacturing process involves the release of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a recognised human carcinogen. These emissions pose severe risks to manufacturing workers, nearby communities, and the environment as a whole.
PVC flooring’s toxic emissions, especially during incineration, can linger in the environment, entering the food chain and accumulating over time. For industries seeking eco-conscious, health-positive choices, avoiding materials that produce such emissions is a prudent step.
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End-of-Life Disposal and Environmental Impact
Unlike other materials, PVC is not biodegradable. Disposing of PVC flooring in landfills leads to prolonged environmental pollution as the material slowly breaks down, releasing harmful chemicals into soil and groundwater. These toxic releases contribute to a lasting environmental footprint, impacting ecosystems and potentially contaminating drinking water sources.
In the context of sustainability, the environmental toll of PVC should prompt businesses and designers to explore alternatives that align with environmental responsibility.
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The EU’s Legal Mandate and Precautionary Principle
The ECHA report provides EU policymakers with a substantial evidence base to justify comprehensive action against PVC. Without intervention, PVC and its hazardous additives will continue to pollute ecosystems and pose long-term health risks. Given the availability of safer alternatives for nearly all applications of PVC, continuing its widespread use is increasingly difficult to justify. ECHA’s findings align with the EU’s broader environmental and health protection goals, making a strong case for decisive regulatory measures to phase out PVC entirely.
Safer Alternatives: PVC-Free Rubber Flooring with Leading Environmental Certifications
At Spectrum Floors, we’re committed to offering sustainable and safe flooring solutions. Our rubber flooring is entirely PVC-free, making it a healthier and more environmentally friendly option. Moreover, it meets rigorous standards for indoor air quality, low chemical emissions, and environmental responsibility, backed by certifications from renowned organisations. Some of these certifications include:
- GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia)
- Émissions dans l’air intérieur (Indoor Air Emissions) – A+ Rating
- Blauer Engel (Blue Angel)
- Cradle to Cradle – Silver
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- UL GREENGUARD Gold
- Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold
These certifications affirm that Spectrum Floors’ rubber flooring is a superior choice for indoor environments, supporting sustainable design and promoting healthier spaces for occupants.
Diverse Applications of Spectrum Floors’ Rubber Flooring
Our PVC-free rubber flooring has been successfully used across various sectors and applications, delivering high-performance, durable flooring in each setting. Here are some examples:
- Bioscience Laboratory Flooring
- Electrician Training Facilities
- Armidale High School
- State-of-the-Art STEM Building
- NDIS Headquarters
- Bank Flooring Solution
- Bates Smart Office Transformation
By choosing Spectrum Floors, you’re investing in quality flooring that has been proven effective in diverse, high-traffic environments while also aligning with environmentally responsible standards.
A Safer Path Forward
In conclusion, while PVC may offer initial cost savings, the hidden health risks and environmental damage make it a non-viable option for those seeking sustainable, safe flooring choices. For more detailed information on the dangers of PVC, we encourage readers to review Spectrum Floors’ full report on PVC toxicity. Together, we can build spaces that protect our communities and our planet.
