Vinyl Chloride Exposure - Symptoms, Hazards, and Preventive Measures

Introduction:

Vinyl chloride is a highly flammable, colorless, with a sweet and mild odor that may emit toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, phosgene, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen chloride. It is also known as ethylene monochloride, chloroethylene, monochloroethylene, or chloroethane. It is not stable at high temperatures and easily burns. It is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. People get exposed to vinyl chloride by drinking contaminated water and breathing contaminated air. Primary exposure to vinyl chloride occurs through inhalation. Chronic exposure to vinyl chloride through oral exposure and inhalation in humans results in liver damage. Cancer is one of the major concerns of exposure to vinyl chloride through inhalation. The best method to control exposure to vinyl chloride can be achieved through the substitution of less hazardous material.

What Is Vinyl Chloride?

Vinyl chloride is a flammable and colorless gas that evaporates quickly. It makes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, vehicle upholstery, wire coating, and plastic kitchenware. It is produced industrially for commercial uses. It is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a hard plastic resin used to make plastic products, wire, cable coating, and pipes. It is produced as a combustion product in tobacco smoke. They emit toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, carbon dioxide, and phosgene. Exposure to vinyl chloride affects the peripheral and central nervous system and often leads to liver damage.

What Are the Physical Properties of Vinyl Chloride?

The physical properties of vinyl chloride are as follows:

• Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas with a mild and sweet odor.

• It is brittle and stiff. It becomes more flexible when it gets mixed with a plasticizer.

• The threshold for vinyl chloride is 3000 ppm (parts per million).

• It is flammable and soluble in water.

• The vapor pressure of vinyl chloride is 2600 mm Hg (millimeter of mercury) at 15 degrees Centigrade.

• The half-life of vinyl chloride is a few hours.

What Are the Uses of Vinyl Chloride?

Vinyl chloride is mostly used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material used in packaging products, pipes, automotive parts, furniture, and construction materials. Smaller amount of polyvinyl chloride is often used as a solvent and chemical intermediate.

How Do People Get Exposed to Vinyl Chloride?

Vinyl chloride is produced in factories where the workers get exposed primarily through inhalation. The general population can get exposed to the inhalation of tobacco smoke or contaminated air. High levels of vinyl chloride are found in the air around the workplace or in factories that produce products of vinyl chloride. If a water supply gets contaminated, vinyl chloride can enter the household air when the water is used for cooking, showering, or laundry.

What Are Different Routes of Vinyl Chloride Exposure?

The different routes of vinyl chloride exposure are as follows:

• Oral: Vinyl chloride can get absorbed through the digestive system.

• Inhalation: Vinyl chloride is usually gas at normal room temperature. Therefore, inhalation is considered a major route of exposure. It can often cause vinyl poisoning.

• Dermal: Vinyl chloride may get absorbed through the skin. Escaping compressed gas can also lead to frostbite.

• Eye: Vinyl chloride vapors are irritating to the eyes. Contact with compressed gas may lead to frostbite and mechanical injury.

Which Cancers Are Associated With Vinyl Chloride Exposure?

Vinyl chloride exposure is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer as well as brain, lung, and blood cancer.

What Happens to a Person Who Breathes Vinyl Chloride?

When a person breathes vinyl chloride, it gets absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and circulates to the body. Once in the body, the liver changes it into various substances. Most new substances travel in the blood once they reach the kidney; they get removed through the urine.

Where Is Vinyl Chloride Found?

Vinyl chloride is found near processing and manufacturing plants. It is also found in hazardous waste sites. Areas with improper spills and disposal can also contain vinyl chloride in groundwater. Vinyl chloride is also detected in tobacco smoke.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Vinyl Chloride Exposure?

Exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride gas results in vinyl chloride disease. The symptoms associated with vinyl chloride exposure are as follows:

• Lethargy.

• Loss of appetite.

• Nausea.

• Weight loss.

• Insomnia.

• Dizziness.

• Headache.

• Earache.

• Blurred vision.

• Abdominal pain.

• Depressed libido.

• Breathlessness.

• Hepatomegaly (refers to the enlarged liver).

• Splenomegaly (refers to the enlarged spleen).

What Are Health Hazards Associated With Vinyl Chloride Exposure?

• Exposure to vinyl chloride via inhalation results in headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and giddiness.

• High levels of vinyl chloride often affect the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

• Decreased male fertility and testicular damage are seen in the case of rats exposed to vinyl chloride.

What Are the Measures to Avoid Vinyl Chloride Exposure?

The various measures to avoid vinyl chloride exposure include:

• The use of PVC plastic containers and food packaging should be limited as they may contain traces of vinyl chloride.

• Industrial workers who come in close contact with vinyl chloride should wear protective clothing and respirator.

• Tobacco smoking should be avoided.

Conclusion:

Vinyl chloride is a manufactured plastic known to be carcinogenic and toxic in nature. Dangerous exposure to vinyl chloride is mainly seen in the workplace. Breathing high levels of vinyl chloride for a short period of time can lead to sleepiness, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride can lead to damage to the liver, nervous system, and kidneys. Long-term exposure can lead to the risk of developing various types of cancer and immune disorders. Pregnant women exposed to vinyl chloride may increase the risk of miscarriage. Most people get exposed to vinyl chloride when they inhale the contaminated air. Industrial workers should take proper care by wearing protective clothing when working with polyvinyl chloride.