Vinyl chloride & plastic odor exposure health effects:

This article (part 3 of a series on vinyl & PVC) discusses possible health effects of exposure to plastic or vinyl odors and outgassing in building interiors and gives references to more scholarly information sources. This article also discussed the health hazards from general exposure to burned plastics or plastic odors.

To improve clarity and provide public information we include here information from several US government sources including the US EPA and the US ATSDR, Department of health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic substances and Disease Registry.

Our page top photo shows our client pointing to a window where occupants suspected an unpleasant "plastic" odor was originating. But notice that this is an older wooden sash. Also notice those vinyl plastic curtains on either side of the window?

Health Effects of Exposure to General "Plastic" Odors or "Vinyl" Odors in the Home

A single small exposure [to vinyl chloride] from which a person recovers quickly is unlikely to cause delayed or long-term effects. Exposure to vinyl chloride over many years can affect the liver, nervous system, and skin. Long-term exposure can cause a rare form of liver cancer.

Article Contents

• PLASTIC or VINYL ODOR EXPOSURE - part 3
  • ACUTE EXPOSURE to VINYL CHLORIDE
  • CHRONIC EXPOSURE to VINYL CHLORIDE
  • VINYL CHLORIDE EXPOSURE - Additional Opinions
  • VINYL CHLORIDE (CHCl) PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET - ATSDR
  • PLASTIC, BURNED ODOR EXPOSURE HAZARDS

There is no antidote for vinyl chloride, but its effects can be treated and most exposed persons recover completely. Persons who have inhaled large amounts of vinyl chloride might need to be hospitalized.-- ATSDR

• The primary target of vinyl chloride acute exposure is the central nervous system (CNS). Signs and symptoms include dizziness, ataxia, inebriation, fatigue, numbness and tingling of the extremities, visual disturbances, coma, and death.
• Vinyl chloride can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Escaping compressed gas or liquid can cause frostbite or irritation of the skin and eyes.
• Chronic exposure can cause permanent liver injury and liver cancer, neurologic or behavioral symptoms, and changes to the skin and bones of the hand.
• Vinyl chloride's acute CNS effects are likely to be caused by interaction of the parent compound with neural membranes. Other effects appear to be caused by interaction of reactive intermediates with macromolecules.-- ATSDR

Acute Exposure Exposure to Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl chloride is thought to depress the CNS via a solvent effect on lipids and protein components of neural membranes that interrupts signal transmission. Reactive metabolic intermediates may also cause specific target organ toxicity by covalently bonding to tissue or initiating destructive chain reactions such as lipid peroxidation.

There may be a latent period of hours to days between exposure and symptom onset. Vinyl chloride is rapidly metabolized and the metabolites are eliminated in the urine.

Children do not always respond to chemicals in the same way that adults do. Different protocols for managing their care may be needed.-- ATSDR

Chronic Exposure to Vinyl Chloride

Prolonged absorption of vinyl chloride can induce hepatotoxicity and hepatic cancers, including angiosarcoma. Portal hypertension and cirrhosis can occur.

Vinyl chloride toxicity is thought to result from the binding of reactive epoxide metabolites to hepatic DNA. Other effects of chronic exposure include sensory-motor polyneuropathy; pyramidal, extrapyramidal, and cerebellar abnormalities; neuropsychiatric symptoms such as sleep disorders, loss of libido, headaches, and irritability; EEG alterations; and immunopathologic phenomena such as purpura and thrombocytopenia.

Vinyl chloride disease is a syndrome consisting of Raynaud's phenomenon, acroosteolysis (dissolution of the bones of the terminal phalanges and sacroiliac joints), and scleroderma-like skin changes.-- ATSDR

Vinyl Chloride Exposure - Additional Opinions

The following opinion is not part of the original US EPA Article on vinyl chloride odors, exposure, and hazards shown above.

The jury may be out on the question of health effects of residential exposure to various smells and odors such as the "plastic smell" we discuss at VINYL SIDING or WINDOW PLASTIC ODORS .

Plastics are used in an enormous range of building materials and consumer products, and plastics vary widely in their properties, chemical composition, tendency to give off gases, smells, odors, and in possible health concern.

One of the plastics that has received a lot of study are those using vinyl chloride. This product might be present in some common building products such as vinyl siding and vinyl windows or screens. The US EPA has classified vinyl chloride as a Group A, human carcinogen. Vinyl chloride might be present in gas form as a colorless, flammable gas with a faintly sweet odor at levels of about 3000 ppm (the odor detection threshold).

Vinyl chloride hazards are discussed at VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO.

Because people's sensitivity to smells and odors varies widely, as does their individual health, genetics, and vulnerability, we do not offer an opinion about the actual level of risk associated with odors that individuals perceive in a building.

When readers discuss exposure to various sources of odors, some of which might be unsafe, we

1. Put basic safety first: assure that where life and safety concerns are present, an building owner or occupant should be sure not to let worry about a less-likely hazard, even one that deserves remediation, distract attention from other more immediate, serious, and high probability hazards (fire, electrical shock, falling, smoking, failure to wear a seat belt when in a vehicle, dangerous behaviors).
   
   "It is the EPA's position that for a carcinogen, it should be assumed, in the absence of strong evidence to the contrary, that there is no ambient concentration that poses absolutely no public health risk." p. 76 of
   Standard Support and Environmental Impact Statement: Emission Standard for Vinyl Chloride (17MB large slow-loading PDF)
2. Do not react inappropriately out of panic. Be careful about and to whom we express concerns: some contractors and consultants are understandably likely to give advice which is safest (for them) and sometimes profitable (for them) at the cost to the consumer.
3. Obtain accurate health and exposure information wherever possible, relying on peer-reviewed, academic, and professional sources that minimize or have no conflicts of interest in the information they provide.
4. Consult with your doctor about exposure to vinyl chloride or other gases, chemicals, or contaminants. ATSDR has provided this excellent
   Vinyl Chloride Exposure Questionnaire [PDF] that you can complete and take to your physician.

With many substances, people are able to detect by smell a substance at very low actual concentrations. It is possible that people detect smells or odors at levels well below currently-established levels of hazard, even if risk levels have been established for the particular chemical or chemical group.

Where chemical or plastic smells are observed in a building, many readers and some experts take an approach of prudent avoidance that includes identifying and correcting the odor source and improving indoor air quality with introduction of outdoor fresh air when that is practical.

Where serious illness or major expenses are involved with exposure to a particular indoor gas or odor, expert inspection and tests can be performed by various building experts including environmental inspectors and industrial hygienists. We advise against simple "air tests" alone as without a diagnostic inspection, even if a troublesome level of exposure is detected the building owners or occupants may be left without an actual plan of action.

Vinyl Chloride (CHCl) Patient Information Sheet - ATSDR

This handout, provided by ATSDR provides information and follow-up instructions for persons who have been exposed to vinyl chloride.

What is vinyl chloride?

Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas at room temperature that has a mild, sweet odor. It is handled and shipped as a liquid under high pressure in a special container. It is used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic material used to make many products, including automotive parts, furniture, and building materials.

What immediate health effects can be caused by exposure to vinyl chloride?

Inhaling vinyl chloride causes sleepiness and dizziness, and can cause loss of consciousness. If pressurized liquid vinyl chloride escapes from its container and comes in contact with the skin or eyes, it can cause frostbite or irritation.

Can vinyl chloride poisoning be treated?

There is no antidote for vinyl chloride, but its effects can be treated and most exposed persons recover completely. Persons who have inhaled large amounts of vinyl chloride might need to be hospitalized.

Are any future health effects likely to occur?

A single small exposure from which a person recovers quickly is unlikely to cause delayed or long-term effects. Exposure to vinyl chloride over many years can affect the liver, nervous system, and skin. Long-term exposure can cause a rare form of liver cancer.

What tests can be done if a person has been exposed to vinyl chloride?

Specific tests for the presence of vinyl chloride in the breath or breakdown products in the urine are available, but they must be performed shortly after exposure and are not generally helpful. If a severe exposure has occurred, blood and other tests might show whether the liver or other organs have been damaged. Testing is not needed in every case.

Where can more information about vinyl chloride be found?

If the exposure happened at work, you might be required to contact your employer and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employees may request a Health Hazard Evaluation from the national Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

You can get more information about vinyl chloride from your regional poison control center; your state, county, or local health department; the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR); your doctor; or a clinic in your area that specializes in occupational and environmental health. Ask the person who gave you this form for help locating these telephone numbers.

ATSDR

Patient Information Sheet 17, Vinyl Chloride Follow-up Instructions

Keep this page and take it with you to your next appointment. Follow only the instructions checked below.

[  ] Call your doctor or the Emergency Department if you develop any unusual signs or symptoms within the next 24 hours, especially:

dizziness, disorientation, drowsiness, or headaches

difficulty breathing

burning of skin or eyes

nausea or loss of appetite

[  ] No follow-up appointment is necessary unless you develop any of the symptoms listed above.

[  ] Call for an appointment with Dr. in the practice of .

When you call for your appointment, please say that you were treated in the Emergency Department at Hospital by and were advised to be seen again in days.

[  ] Return to the Emergency Department/ Clinic on (date) at

AM/PM for a follow-up examination.

[  ] Do not perform vigorous physical activities for 1 to 2 days.

[  ] You may resume everyday activities including driving and operating machinery.

[  ] Do not return to work for days.

[  ] You may return to work on a limited basis. See instructions below.

[  ] Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke for 72 hours; smoke may worsen the condition of your lungs.

[  ] Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours; alcohol may worsen injury to your stomach or have other effects.

[  ] Avoid taking the following medications:

[  ] You may continue taking the following medication(s) that your doctor(s) prescribed for you:

[  ] Other instructions:

Provide the Emergency Department with the name and the number of your primary care physician so that the ED can send him or her a record of your emergency department visit.

You or your physician can get more information on the chemical by contacting: or , or by checking out the following Internet Web sites:

Plastic odors and the detection & source-diagnosis of many common odor sources observed some installations of vinyl exterior building siding or in other plastic or vinyl building products such as windows and trim are discussed at VINYL SIDING or WINDOW PLASTIC ODORS.

For a more broad approach to diagnosing building odor sources,

see ODORS, Smells, Gases in Buildings-Diagnosis & Cure

and see our ODOR DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST, PROCEDURE

What are the health hazards of exposure to burned plastic & plastic odors in general?

Reader question: we had a stainless steel pot with a lid on it in the oven baking @ 250 degrees . There are black handles on this pot which are good in the oven to 350 degrees. We left the house and came home 2 hours later to a strong burning smell in the house.

The oven had pf in the control window which stands for program failure. The black handles looked as though they had been burnt. We opened the windows and turned the whole house fan on to ventilate. The odor has decreased but is still here three days later. Do you know if this is a health hazard? Thanks. - B.VSN 1/23/2014

Reply: the effects of burned plastic products in indoor air, in building fires, or in the atmosphere

I do not know and no one should assert that there is a health hazard from a smell in a building based on only an email exchange - as there is too much at risk: your health, your money for two.

But in my OPINION particles or chemicals/gases in air from burnt plastics are certainly capable of being respiratory irritants and might be hazardous.

For working purposes I am guessing that the plastic handles on your pot were a form of bakelite or similar plastic. As Sylvester-Bradley point out in an article focused principally on PVC risks,

The first truly synthetic plastic was created in 1907 by Leo Baekeland [Katz (1984)] from phenol formalde- hyde and christened ‘bakelite’which is now known to degrade into acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene, cyanide and nitrous oxides which include irritants, suspected carcinogens and toxic respiratory system irritants [CAW (2003)].

Really?: from simply an email report and without actual expert assessment, one does not know the level nor exposure level of building occupants to this burned plastic odor contaminant and thus cannot reliably assess the actual risk.( Some of the sources cited below will surely recommend prudent avoidance. )

Often when there has been a fire of any sort in a building - burned pot or otherwise - the odors are absorbed by soft goods (carpets, curtains etc) that can be cleaned. If airing out the building is not enough you might want to see
our SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors to figure out which items need special attention.

At ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE  we organize a sequence of articles on tracking down odor sources and curing them.

Research reviewing the effects of burned plastic products in indoor air, in building fires, or in the atmosphere

• Ables, Elden, Richard Bionta, Harlan Olson, Linda Ott, Eric Parker, Douglas Wright, and Craig Wuest. "ABS plastic RPCs." In Proceedings of the International Workshop on Resistive Plate Chambers and Related Detectors, Pavia p. 373. 1995. [Obsolte postscript file, hard to open, excerpting from search results:
  
  ... we were interested in materials with resistivities lower than the standard bakelite bulk resistivity of 1010-1011 ... Some materials heated up and melted un- der high voltage. ... Furthermore, because of the toxic fumes that it emits when burned, PVC poses an ES&H hazard
• ALLEN, EG. "Plastic Materials and Fire Hazards (SEE PAGE 32)."]
• CAW 2003 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - PLASTICS http://www.caw.ca/whatwedo/health&safety/factsheet/hsfssubstanceno35.asp
• Kampa, Marilena, and Elias Castanas. "Human health effects of air pollution." Environmental Pollution 151, no. 2 (2008): 362-367.
• Offermann, Francis (Bud) J., P.E., C.I.H., ASHRAE & Mark Nicas, Ph.D., MPH, C.I.H., USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION ? [PDF], ASHRAE Journal, May 2018, also available as a PDF here with permission of the authors.
  Abstract:
  
  Consumer products such as paints, cleaning chemicals, and adhesives often contain toxic volatile chemicals. When these products are used indoors, these chemicals are released into the air resulting in inhalation exposures to applicators and other occupants.
  
  The resulting indoor concentrations can result in exposures that cause acute adverse health effects, including death, and/or explosion risks.
  
  Warning labels on these products and information in “safety data sheets” often simply caution to “use with adequate ventilation.”
  
  Excerpt:
  Providing consumers with the required ventilation rates and product quantity limitations for indoor applications of paints, cleaning chemicals, and adhesives should significantly reduce adverse health impacts associated with the use of these products.
• Sylvia Katz 1984 Classic Plastics Thames and Hudson, London
• Simoneit, Bernd RT, Patricia M. Medeiros, and Borys M. Didyk. "Combustion products of plastics as indicators for refuse burning in the atmosphere." Environmental science & technology 39, no. 18 (2005): 6961-6970.
• Sylvester-Bradley, Oliver. "Pernicious Plastics and the Precautionary Principle." [PDF] - quoting from search results: 'bakelite' which is now known to degrade into acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene ...
  a suspected endocrine disruptors and carcinogen [6]) and nylon (toxic if burnt [7]). Retrieved 1/23/2014, original source http://www.defactodesign.com/sites/default/files/Pernicious-plastics.pdf
• Tsydenova, Oyuna, and Magnus Bengtsson. "Chemical hazards associated with treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment." Waste Management 31, no. 1 (2011): 45-58.
• Zapp Jr, John A. "Toxic and health effects of plastics and resins." Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal 4, no. 3 (1962): 335-346.
• HAZARD, FIRE. "THE HAZARDS OF SYNTHETIC PLASTICS." (1951). (J Wiley online library)

Watch out: Vinyl chloride might be present in gas form as a colorless, flammable gas with a faintly sweet odor at levels of about 3000 ppm (the odor detection threshold). We provide the US EPA health report on vinyl chloride at VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO - link given just below.

Reader Question: what to do about skin irritation from vinyl-covered furniture

I need some help regarding a newly covered chair in vinyl. I have very sensitive skin and I can smell things sometimes when others cannot. My question is I smell my vinyl chair and itch. Tthe smell is strong.

Yes it's new, however can you recommend a cleaner that might take away smell? I think I am alleric to the vinyl. I there something I can buy that might help? - J.R. 28 June 2015

Reply:

With age the odor from new vinyl products generally diminishes but it may not dissipate entirely and for people who are particularly sensitive to odors, gases, chemicals, individuals may remain sensitive.

I'm doubtful that a cleaner will remove the odors that are emitted by some vinyl products, and I suspect that your reaction to the chair may be not just to the vinyl but to the interaction between skin, perspiration, and the vinyl surface independent of any odor complaint.

So you may have success by installing a chair cover by using a fabric that does not irritate your skin. Otherwise it's time to sit somewhere else or to replace the chair.

Check with your doctor for advice as well.

MSDS for Plastic Tarps & Ground Covers & Health hazards of PVC or Polyethylene plastic sheeting?

Question: bad smell from plastic tarps put up by building contractor

2017/04/13 Fred said:

My office is redoing roof the roofers put up plastic tarps in our office in case of debris but the smell from plastic is permeating the room is this toxic should osha be called ?

This question and answer were posted originally at ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE

Reply:

Fred,

I can't say when OSHA should be called, but I agree that some plastic tarps smell horrible. I've been personally sickened when working in a tight crawl space where new 6 mil poly was laid out. We don't know what sort of plastic is in your space but the article I cite below includes hazard discussions and scholarly research on plastic odors.

At the least, ventilation may help improve the situation in the workplace you describe.

Odors and offgassing from plastic sheeting seems to vary considerably even among what appears to be the same product, possibly from batch to batch or from different manufacturing sources and countries.

I have also inspected mold and water damage remediation jobs in which a heavy white plastic moisture barrier was installed that was absolutely odorless (to me anyway).

But typically plastic sold for use as ground cover, painting drop cloths, dust screens, or similar applications is made of PVC, a plastic that contains DEHP, a phthalate that is discussed as an endocrine disruptor (see links at the end of this article), or for many other plastic drop cloths, the material may be polyethylene.

I will include some appropriate MSDS sheets for plastic tarps and drop cloths below. Polyethylene may be black, clear, white, or other colours.

Watch out: you'll see that while most manufacturers indicate that their plastic sheeting products are not hazardous (except for a suffocation hazard warning appropriate for any plastic sheeting), some of the MSDS data indicates possible respiratory irritation.

• MSDS: Polyethylene Sheeting, Poly-America, LP, 2000 W. Marshall Dr., Grand Prarie TX 75071 USA, retrieved 2017/04/13, original source: http://www.buildsite.com/pdf/polyamerica/HUSKY-Plastic-Sheeting-SDS-1451476.pdf
  
  Excerpts:
  This product is not FDA, CPSC or NSF compliant. It is unsuitable for use in applications such as direct or indirect food contact, toys, medical device or pharmaceutical applications or for potable water application.
  ...
  This product is an inert, non-hazardous solid article. Exposure to vapors and fumes from heating the polymer to decomposition may cause eye, mucous membrane and respiratory irritation. Plastic sheeting can create a suffocation hazard when placed over the nose and mouth.
  ...
  Inhalation: No adverse effects are expected from normal use of this product.
  
  Breathing vapors and fumes from heating the polymer to decomposition may cause eye, mucous membrane and respiratory irritation. If exposure to decomposition of product occurs and irritation develops, remove to fresh air. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
  ...
  General ventilation should be adequate for normal use.
• MSDS: [White] Polyethylene Fabrics and Plastic Cores, NOVA-THENE R, RB, RU Fabrics, NOVA-THENE PE Lumberwrap, NOVA-PAC PE Bags, Producer: Intertape Polymer Incorporated, 50 Abbey Avenue, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada, retrieved 2017/04/13, original source: http://www.mytarp.com/msds/white-poly-tarp-fabric-material-safety-data-sheet.pdf
  Excerpts:
  
  Hazardous Ingredients / Identity Information:
  
  Non-hazardous, comprised mainly of polyethylene. Colored and printed fabrics contain small quantities of proprietary pigments that may be health hazards in concentrated form. Contained in the matrix of the fabric, they do not make the fabric hazardous. More details on specific colors may be available on request.
  
  ... Incompatibilities (Conditions to Avoid): Consult manufacturer before using as containment or barrier for chemicals other than water. Very slightly reactive with oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis. ... Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons may be generated during thermal decomposition and combustion. ...
  Inhalation Health Risks, Symptoms of Exposure: None at ambient temperatures
• MSDS: Tex-Trude Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Tex-Trude, LP P.O. Box 58 Channelview, Texas 77530, retrieved 2017/04/13, original source: textrude.businesscatalyst.com/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=36952
  
  Excerpts:
  NOTICE: This product is not FDA, CPSC, or NSF approved. It is unsuitable for use in applications such as direct or indirect food contact, toys, medical device, or pharmaceutical applications or for potable water applications
  ...
  Hazards Identification
  
  Primary routes of entry are skin contact and inhalation of dust. Inhalation is a low health risk because any potentially hazardous components are encapsulated. Inhalation of dust is a possibility in a regrind area. If adequate ventilation is not available in grinding areas, then respiratory protection is recommended per Occupational Safety Health and Health
  
  Administration guidelines. Where there is hazardous or nuisance dust, either a mandatory or voluntary OSHA defined program of Respiratory Protection is recommended. The PEL for nuisance dust is 5.0 mg/m3.
• MSDS: Polytarp Plastic Film, polyethylene 90-100%, Polytarp Products 350 Wildcat Road Toronto, ON M3J 2N5
  Excerpt: These products are inert, non-hazardous, solid articles Exposure to vapours and fumes from heating the product to decomposition may cause eye, mucous membrane and respiratory irritation. Plastic film may create a suffocation hazard when placed over the nose and mouth.
• MSDS: Shelter-Rite® Vinyl-Coated Fabric (Truck Tarps), PVC Coated Fabric, Seaman Corporation, 1000 Ventur Blvd., Wooster OH 44691 USA, original source: http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/481602/Truck_Tarp_PDFs/msds.pdf?t=1460560614310
  
  Excerpts:
  Hazardous decomposition products: CO, CO2, HCL, Trace Aromatics,
  Inhalation Hazards: Respiratory irritation is possible due to processing vapors when film is heated sufficiently to cause mass melting of the polymer, such as during heat welding
• MSDS: Spilltech HoseWraps family - PVC, Polyester fiber, 12 oz PVC tarpaulin fabric / polypropylene hook & loops closure, Spilltech, Brookley Industrial Park, Mobile AL 36615, No hazards listed, no health effects; original source: https://www.spilltech.com/wcsstore/SpillTechUSCatalogAssetStore/Attachment/documents/msds/MSD063.pdf

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2019-01-16 by (mod) - is vinyl or rubber in my Pilates studio making me sick?

Wendy

I can't say; you'd need to know the composition of mateirals, their off-gassing rate, the fresh air ventilation rate, the gas and odor levels, as well as your husband's individual health, response to exercise, and respiratory vulnerability. I've found that individual reactions to odors and gases, even at low levels, vary widely.

Please understand that with not a shred of information about the Pilates studio I can't make a meaningful diagnostic guess.

It's probably more useful to ask the same question of your doctor and of other users of the Pilates studio.

On 2019-01-16 by Wendy

hi, my husband feels ill after being in the small pilates studio. Can this be due to all of the vinyl and rubber?

On 2018-10-27 by (mod) - plastic window covering smells

I can't be certain of an odor hazard by e-txt, Deb, but it's possible. I'd air out the place or change the plastic.

On 2018-10-27 by deblopez1956

The plastic I taped to the windows and the smell is very strong and I am wondering if it is dangerous to my health

On 2018-01-08 by (mod) -

Kate

There is some subjectivity in this response but usually burned plastic smell is from ... burned plastic, such as an overheating electrical wire or circuit or component. Check the electrical fixtures nearby such as a plastic light fixture with an over-watted bulb installed.

On 2018-01-02 by kate

what is the burned plastic smell in summer hot days I smell. I have a crawl space. I smell it right outside the door and inside when I walk in to the condo. It gives me a headache. as if someone had burned candles that were off or some plastic.

On 2017-12-12 by acer

Can you comment on strong odors from plastic items used in building materials? I have noticed some plastic enclosures that house electrical and/or network or AV equipment have a strong odor that is almost like a pesticide. They are usually labeled “flame retardant abs” and are thick/rigid white parts. What is it that creates the odor in these plastics? It is very irritating.

On 2016-08-23 by (mod) -

Anon:

What happened? Did you install an incandescent (traditional tungsten filament) bulb of higher wattage than the fixture called-for? For some time I've been reducing light heat and also electrical consumption by opting for LED or fluorescent bulbs in fixtures - depending on the application.

If you were using either of those newer-technology bulbs and there was an overheating problem then something was wrong with the bulb.

You're welcome to use the page bottom CONTACT link to send us photos of the fixtures involved and of the bulbs you were using, including any markings or labelings on those products. That'll help us comment further.

Meanwhile, you want to take the exposure to offgas products from hot plastics or vinyls to your doctor along with your estimate of the exposure time. Without having an actual measurement of the exposure levels and knowing to just what kids or others were exposed, one cannot make an accurate guess about the risks involved.

I can't know if that's cost-justified nor if now such measurements are even possible. At MOLD / ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT, HIRE ? (Search InspectApedia for that phrase) we give more opinions about how to decide if hiring an onsite expert is justified.

You might also see if there are MSDS sheets for the lights and bulbs you were using.

On 2016-08-23 22 by Anon

Hi,
A few months ago we changed the lightbulbs (x 6) in our lounge light. A few days later we noticed a burning smell. We assumed it was the air con metal runners making the smell so thought not dangerous. After 10 days I finally realised the PVC light bulb holders were heating up & creating this smell. My 2 & 5 year olds sat under this light for 2 hours every night & 1 hour each morning.

The apartment was always closed at night & then aired gor about 5 hours during the day. Then 2 weeks ago we changed the lights in the kids rooms. 1 night my 5 year old son was in his room for about 40 minutes &'when Inwent in the smell was horrific. I aired it out before putting him to bed. I checked my daughters light the next day & it appeared fine.

Then we used it 2 times this week & in the night I could smell a faint burning smell so it would have come from her light. I am really worried as they are so little & have had a total of almost 2 weeks exposure. Is this great cause for alarm? Thank you.

On 2016-03-03 by (mod) -

Anon:

While there can be many sources of indoor air contaminants that are no longer being diluted when building fresh-air intake is closed off or limited, I am not sure one can demonstrate a health concern attributed directly to vinyl windows in winter - certainly not after initial offgassing. YOu would need objective data: actual measurements of vinyl chloride gas in the indoor air to make a quantitative or accurate assessment of the risks involved.

On 2016-03-03 by Anonymous

what are the practical hazards of breathimg in the closed window unventilated air within a one bedroom apartment with seven recently installed vinyl windows during the cold wintertime in newjersey.
and the long term hazards even during the whole year even when one can open windows regularly in the warmer months

...

Continue reading at VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Plastic & Vinyl Odor & Exposure Articles

• AIR POLLUTANTS, COMMON INDOOR
• ASBESTOS in PLASTICS
• ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS at BUILDINGS
• ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE
• PLASTIC ODORS-SCREENS, SIDING
• PLASTIC or VINYL ODOR EXPOSURE
• SIDING VINYL
• VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO - home
  • VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH HAZARDS US EPA - part 2
  • PLASTIC or VINYL ODOR EXPOSURE - part 3
• VINYL CHLORIDE EXPOSURE QUESTIONNAIRE [PDF]
• VINYL CHLORIDE EXPOSURE STANDARDS [PDF]
• VINYL SIDING or WINDOWS PLASTIC ODORS

Suggested citation for this web page

PLASTIC or VINYL ODOR EXPOSURE at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING ENVIRONMENT

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

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