Some activist groups have been campaigning against chlorine. Is the use of chlorine in vinyl a problem?
Chlorine is a naturally occurring element that is essential to life. At least one international environmental group has an active campaign against chlorinated materials and has actually advocated the elimination of chlorine as a stepping stone to its ultimate goal of eliminating the entire petrochemical industry.(6) Not only is chlorine present in the human body and essential to life, but it is also used in ways that protect public health and safety and improve the quality of life. Some good examples are pharmaceuticals, water purification and hundreds of different manufacturing operations that are based on chlorine chemistry. When used in vinyl, chlorine is inert and stable. Chlorine is what gives vinyl inherent fire resistant properties and makes it highly economical and easier to recycle (because it acts as a “marker” for automated sorting equipment).
