Vinyl chloride: general information
Updated 25 April 2024
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Overview
Vinyl chloride is a colourless, flammable gas, which has a slightly sweet odour.
Uses of vinyl chloride
Approximately 95% of the world’s vinyl chloride production is used for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used in a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials.
It is also used in the production of chlorinated solvents, primarily 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Vinyl chloride was previously used as a refrigerant and as a propellant in aerosol sprays for a variety of products, such as pesticides, drugs and cosmetics. These uses have been banned in many countries.
How vinyl chloride gets into the environment
It is not known to occur naturally and is only used as an industrial intermediate under strictly controlled conditions, with minimal exposure of workers or to the environment. It has been found at very low levels in landfill gas due to it being the breakdown product of various chlorinated hydrocarbons and in ground water. Vinyl chloride is also present in cigarette and cigar smoke.
Liquid vinyl chloride evaporates easily and rapidly in air, and also if it is present near the surface of soil. Once in the air, it breaks down into a few days to form other substances which may be harmful. Small amounts of vinyl chloride can dissolve in water.
Exposure to vinyl chloride
The general public may be exposed to vinyl chloride by breathing in tobacco smoke.
Vinyl chloride is only used as a chemical intermediate. In the past, there was significant occupational exposure however now it is only used in closed systems with minimal exposure of the workers.
How exposure to vinyl chloride can affect your health
The presence of vinyl chloride in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects, you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing in the substance, or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects that you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
Exposure to vapours can cause weakness, effects on balance, headache, fatigue, numbness, tingling sensation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sight and hearing disturbances, coughing, wheezing and breathlessness, headache and drowsiness. Skin or eye contact with liquid vinyl chloride can cause skin irritation, pains, burns and frostbite injury. Repeated exposure to vinyl chloride may cause liver damage.
Vinyl Chloride and cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded there is sufficient evidence in human studies that vinyl chloride can cause cancer. They have therefore classified vinyl chloride as a cancer causing chemical in humans.
Pregnancy and the unborn child
Available evidence does not indicate that exposure to vinyl chloride during pregnancy will have a direct effect on the unborn child. However, if the exposure to vinyl chloride causes the mother to become unwell this may affect the health of the unborn child.
Children
Children exposed to vinyl chloride are expected to show similar adverse health effects to those seen in exposed adults. There is some indication that children may be more susceptible than adults to cancer caused by vinyl chloride.
What to do if you are exposed to vinyl chloride
It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of vinyl chloride high enough to cause adverse health effects. However, if you have any health concerns regarding exposure to vinyl chloride seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
Additional sources of information
UKTIS Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy
NHS.UK has more information on poisoning
The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals and Environment Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.
Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.