03/14 Phaseout PVC's to Address Toxic Hormonal Pollution

[the.greenbase@green2.greenpeace.org]

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Original-TO:      World Press (Green2:Green2:Gnl:INET)
Original-Cc:      The Greenbase (Green2:Green2:Gnl:Main)
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               GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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>> GREENPEACE SAYS EVIDENCE IS CLEAR; CALLS FOR ACTION NOW
AGAINST TOXIC HORMONES DIOXIN AND VINYL PLASTICS IN RESPONSE
TO "OUR STOLEN FUTURE" BOOK
 
WASHINGTON, March 14, 1996 (GP) Greenpeace today called for a
phaseout of dioxin forming polyvinyl chloride plastics (PVC)
as a first step in addressing toxic hormone pollution.  The
call came in response to the publication of the book "Our
Stolen Future" by Dr. Theo Colborn, Dr. John Peterson and
Dianne Dumanoski.
 
"Theo Colborn's documentation of the ominous effects of toxic

hormones in wildlife and humans may ultimately be more
significant than Rachel Carson's historic book, 'Silent
Spring," said Rick Hind of Greenpeace.
 
"There is now more than enough scientific evidence to begin a
phaseout of toxic hormones such as dioxin and dioxin producing
vinyl plastics (PVC)," added Hind.
 
As part of an ongoing U.N. Environment Program process, the
U.S. and approximately 100 other nations last November in
Washington and again last week in Australia agreed to list
dioxin as one of 12 priority pollutants for which "scientific
evidence...is
sufficient to demonstrate the need for international action."  
 
Sweden and Denmark are already formally considering a PVC
phaseout, due in part to the problem of toxic hormones such as
dioxin and PVC plasticizers such as DEHP (also cited in "Our
Stolen Future").  European cities such as Berlin and Bonn are
already moving away from PVC.   
 
Throughout its lifecycle PVC plastics release toxic hormones
into our food, air and water.  Toxic hormones such as dioxin
and DEHP are also probable human carcinogens according to the
EPA.  PVC also releases heavy metals and asbestos into the
environment.  
DEHP is the most widely used and studied plasticizer and 95
percent of DEHP use is dedicated to PVC production.  PVC is
the second most widely used plastic.  It is used in products
ranging from food packaging, toys, furniture, vinyl flooring
and building materials.  However, safer alternatives such as
wood, metal and clay are also widely available.
 
"More toxic hormone research is warranted but enough
documentation exists to act now on dioxin and PVC.  As noted
in 'Our Stolen Future,' it took 25 years for scientists to
discover the hormonal action that linked DES to birth defects
and cancer.  We can't afford to wait another 25 years to act
on dioxin and PVC," said Hind. 
-END-
 
 
Contact:  Rick Hind/Greenpeace (202) 3192505

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