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Polyvinyl Chloride in Fires

Polyvinyl Chloride in Fires To the Editor.— The article "Polyvinyl Chloride Toxicity in Fires" by Dyer and Esch (235:393-397, 1976) contains a number of factual errors and certain misleading inferences. In three places, the combustion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is said to produce chlorine and phosgene. In fact, these two materials have never been demonstrated to occur in the pyrolysis or combustion of PVC (Journal of Polymer Science 8:1887-1890, 1970; Journal of Applied Polymer Science 13:377-391,1969; British Polymer Journal 3:186-193, 1971; Journal of Applied Chemistry 17:366, 1967). The authors point out, correctly, that hydrochloric acid and carbon monoxide are the main toxic combustion products of PVC but tie these to possible toxic synergy with chlorine or phosgene. It is wrong to raise the specter of toxicants which are not really there. In another instance, vinyl chloride is said to be produced. In work by Boettner et al (Journal of Applied Polymer Science 13:377-391, 1969), http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png JAMA American Medical Association

Polyvinyl Chloride in Fires

SORENSON, W. R.
JAMA , Volume 236 (13) – Sep 27, 1976
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Polyvinyl Chloride in Fires

Abstract



To the Editor.—
The article "Polyvinyl Chloride Toxicity in Fires" by Dyer and Esch (235:393-397, 1976) contains a number of factual errors and certain misleading inferences.
In three places, the combustion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is said to produce chlorine and phosgene. In fact, these two materials have never been demonstrated to occur in the pyrolysis or combustion of PVC (Journal of Polymer Science 8:1887-1890, 1970; Journal of Applied Polymer Science...
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References (1)

Publisher
American Medical Association
Copyright
Copyright © 1976 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Restrictions Apply to Government Use.
ISSN
0098-7484
eISSN
1538-3598
DOI
10.1001/jama.1976.03270140015002
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

To the Editor.— The article "Polyvinyl Chloride Toxicity in Fires" by Dyer and Esch (235:393-397, 1976) contains a number of factual errors and certain misleading inferences. In three places, the combustion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is said to produce chlorine and phosgene. In fact, these two materials have never been demonstrated to occur in the pyrolysis or combustion of PVC (Journal of Polymer Science 8:1887-1890, 1970; Journal of Applied Polymer Science 13:377-391,1969; British Polymer Journal 3:186-193, 1971; Journal of Applied Chemistry 17:366, 1967). The authors point out, correctly, that hydrochloric acid and carbon monoxide are the main toxic combustion products of PVC but tie these to possible toxic synergy with chlorine or phosgene. It is wrong to raise the specter of toxicants which are not really there. In another instance, vinyl chloride is said to be produced. In work by Boettner et al (Journal of Applied Polymer Science 13:377-391, 1969),

Journal

JAMA – American Medical Association

Published: Sep 27, 1976

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