Vinyl Chloride
Vinyl chloride (also called chloroethene) is a synthetic volatile organic compound and a member of a class of chemicals called organochlorides. It is primarily used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC); PVC is contained in a multitude of consumer products, including pipes, toothbrushes, toys, tool handles, automobile parts, cosmetics, wood varnish, and medical devices. It is readily volatile, thus all routes of exposure (ingestion, inhalation and dermal) are relevant if one is exposed via drinking water.
EPA MCLG Level
0 ppb
Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for vinyl chloride are based on a potential increased risk of cancer. Additional health protective benchmarks for vinyl chloride in drinking water are based on potential liver toxicity. The EPA classifies vinyl chloride as a known human carcinogen.
Affected Organs & Systems:
Common Sources
- Vinyl chloride is not naturally occurring, so its detection in the environment and source water is the result of human activity. Vinyl chloride may enter the environment and drinking water sources through the release of wastewater from vinyl chloride manufacturers and processors, as well as spills or leaks from storage containers. It may also occur in the environment via the breakdown of other man-made chemicals. Vinyl chloride evaporates easily from surface water, so it is more likely to be found in groundwater sources.
How to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Vinyl Chloride:
EPA MCLG Level
The EPA MCLG represents the maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest scientific research. It's often more protective than federal legal limits.
Contaminant Type
Vinyl Chloride is classified as a VOCs contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the carcinogens, liver.
Check Your Water
Find out if Vinyl Chloride is in your tap water.
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