Many constructing homeowners and producers have requested me why I do not supply PVC tarpaulin manufacturers PVC membrane to my flat roof clients. I merely really feel that PVC is simply too nice of a danger to take.
What’s PVC?
PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is produced from the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a poisonous, carcinogenic fuel. It’s a sturdy, economical materials with many makes use of. 75% of all PVC consumption in North America is attributed to plastic pipes. PVC can also be used as a membrane to cowl flat roofs, and seems to the typical individual to look precisely like TPO membrane.
What are the dangers related to PVC?
Analysis reveals that dioxin, which is essentially the most potent carcinogen identified to science, together with vinyl chloride and sure acids, are created and launched through the manufacturing of PVC. These chemical substances could cause extreme well being issues similar to:
These are issues that the general public and roofing contractors have a proper to learn about.
My story
About 12 years in the past, PVC was the first materials we utilized in our flat roofing division right here at Brady Roofing. After we started putting in PVC, I began to expertise well being issues. I’ve been wholesome my whole life, so when these points got here on so instantly, it made me marvel concerning the security of PVC membrane. This led me to do some critical analysis on the fabric. I discovered that producers truly know that PVC membrane could be very poisonous, however they have been hiding these info from me throughout our conversations.
My private well being issues included extreme respiratory points and neurological harm. The neurological points are literally getting worse, even supposing I now not set up PVC. I do not wish to go into my very own well being issues too deeply, however simply for example, my left decrease physique is experiencing a gradual atrophy of the muscle tissues resulting from neurological harm. My left calf is at present 1.25 inches smaller in circumference than my proper. Whereas I’ve no proof, I strongly consider it’s brought on from respiration the toxins present in PVC membrane. I’ve no genetic predisposition for such neurological points.
Is that this analysis related?
I approached our PVC producer concerning the situation. They merely advised me that there was no analysis to assist my claims. Actually, there’s a substantial amount of analysis carried out on the toxicity of PVC. The producers can declare they aren’t related as a result of these research are carried out on the manufacturing of PVC quite than the set up dangers. Nevertheless, while you set up PVC, you employ sizzling air as much as 1300 levels F to soften the membrane and seal it. Because the membrane melts, it may possibly really feel like you might be respiration ammonia. The air can burn your sinuses, displaying the presence of dangerous chemical substances being launched, simply as they’re throughout manufacturing. Producers is not going to present this info to contractors and customers.
Their argument is that the roofs are put in in open air, so there’s sufficient air flow to maintain the installers secure. Nevertheless, when you find yourself welding, your face is 18 inches from the fumes. In a big majority of flat roofs there are additionally parapet partitions, protecting the wind from blowing and clearing the fumes out. A major proportion of the time, the fumes will enter your sinuses as a substitute.
What can we do?
All of my analysis led me to consider that PVC shouldn’t be a secure materials to deal with. This is the reason now we have refused to put in PVC membranes. Although there are variations of PVC membranes created in an effort to distance themselves from the hazards related to PVC, cautious examination will reveal that vinyl chloride monomers and dioxins are nonetheless current in these alternate options. Whereas I’ve not drawn any strict correlations between PVC well being dangers and the shoppers, I’ve drawn dangers to the installers, and I refuse to take any attainable danger with our clients well being as nicely.
We now have chosen a brand new, modern roofing various known as TPO. TPO appears equivalent to PVC, but it surely comes with out dangers to the installer or buyer. I consider that it’s truly a greater membrane as a result of it doesn’t get brittle like a dried up PVC pipe, as is attribute of PVC sheets. TPO is versatile and extremely power environment friendly, together with being non-toxic. TPO is a youthful product, it has solely been round since 1991. Nevertheless, it’s displaying indications that it’ll last more than PVC membrane.