Environmental groups state that chlorine is a hazardous gas. It is poisonous
and has been used in chemical warfare.
Greenpeace argue that chlorine is found in toxins such as CFCs, dioxins, PCBs and DDT pesticides. These are building up in the air, water and food chain. They will remain in the environment for decades to come and scientific studies reveal that these chemicals are linked to severe health problems.
CFCs are no longer used as refrigerants and alternatives to the use
of chlorine are developed if environmental damage is proved. Only about
30% of the chlorine made in Europe goes into PVC production.
Chlorine is a hazardous chemical but there has not been a single fatal accident involving its bulk transport in Western Europe in the last 50 years.
 |
VCM, the building block of PVC has been proven to cause liver cancer
in workers in the industry. Greenpeace point out the dangers of an accident
that could cause the release of large amounts of VCM into the environment.
The link with liver cancer was identified over 30 years ago and safety
procedures are strict. EU exposure limits are now below one thousandth
of what they used to be and any emissions of VCM are closely monitored
to ensure safety to both workers and the public.
Transport of VCM has proven to be safe and has the same risks as the movement of other flammable materials.
 |
Chlorine transport: PVC Info. Council.