New Delhi: On January 24, 2018, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Acting Chairperson Justice U D Salvi with his bench, together with Health Expert, Dr. Nagin Nanda directed to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF) to issue common guidelines to Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe producer companies to sell their products with warning labels stating that the PVC pipes contain harmful lead which is super injurious to human health. PVC contains phthalates, which can leak from plastics is caused liver and reproductive system damage. Leading PVC pipe manufacturers who are likely to be affected by this order are Finolex Industries, Supreme Industries, Jain Irrigation, Astral Pipes, etc.

Let’s Know Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is a synthetic thermoplastic material made by polymerizing vinyl chloride. The properties depend on the added plasticizer. The flexible forms are used in hosepipes, insulation, shoes, garments, etc

A study published in the "Journal of Environmental Engineering" revealed that, in homes built before 1977, installed PVC pipes were found to leach polyvinyl chloride into drinking water at levels above the maximum allowed contaminant level. Levels were tested at dead-end pipe segments, where water stagnates. The study suggests installation of manual or automatic flush valves to reduce concentrations.

 Use alternative (Safety Measures)

As per the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University, up to 70 percent of homes in the United States have PVC piping. Many communities are keeping the distance from PVC piping,  and choosing HDPE or PEX  to use.