Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride

Production process
CPVC is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that has been chlorinated via a free radical chlorination reaction.
This reaction is typically initiated by application of thermal or UV energy utilizing various
approaches. In the process, chlorine gas is decomposed into free radical chlorine which is then
reacted with PVC in a post-production step, essentially replacing a portion of the hydrogen in the
PVC with chlorine.

Depending on the method, a varying amount of chlorine is introduced into the polymer allowing for
a measured way to fine tune the final properties. The chlorine content may vary from manufacturer
to manufacturer; the base can be as low as PVC 56.7% to as high as 74% by mass, although most
commercial resins have chlorine content from 63% to 69%.[citation needed] As the chlorine content in
CPVC is increased, its glass transition temperature (Tg) increases significantly. Under normal
operating conditions, CPVC becomes unstable at 70% mass of chlorine.

Various additives are also introduced into the resin in order to make the material processable. These
additives may consist of stabilizers, impact modifiers, pigments and lubricants.

Physical properties
CPVC shares most of the features and properties of PVC. It is also readily workable, including
machining, welding, and forming. Because of its excellent corrosion resistance at elevated
temperatures, CPVC is ideally suited for self-supporting constructions where temperatures up to 200
°F (90 °C) are present. The ability to bend, shape, and weld CPVC enables its use in a wide variety
of processes and applications. It exhibits fire-retardant properties.

Uses
CPVC is a popular engineering material due to its relatively low cost, high glass transition
temperature, high heat distortion temperature, chemical inertness, and flame and smoke properties.
CPVC is used in a variety of industrial applications where a high functional temperature and
resistance to corrosive chemicals are desirable. Besides pipe and fittings, it is used in pumps, valves,
strainers, filters, tower packing, and duct, as well as sheet for fabrication into storage tanks, fume
scrubbers, large diameter duct, and tank lining.

Pipe

In use as plumbing materials, CPVC exhibits comparatively high impact and tensile strength and is
non-toxic.[citation needed] In pressurized systems, it can be used with fluids up to 80°C and higher in low-
pressure systems. It does require specialized solvent cement for assembly. Depending on local
building codes, it can be used in hot and cold water systems as well as hot and cold chemical
distribution systems in conditions where metal pipe is not indicated.
Tank and vessels for corrosion resistant applications

Tanks and vessels and many corrosion resistant applications are made as per BS4994 using CPVC as
an internal thermoplastic corrosion liner.

Comparison to polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Chemical resistance

CPVC as well as PVC exhibits a good resistance to acids and bases (depending on the acid/base).
There are several cases where it is useful to stay with PVC (e.g. ammonia hydrous solution,
hydrofluoric acid). Additionally, it exhibits excellent resistance to salts and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Since the chemical properties of resins may vary according to the amount of chlorination and the
types and quantity of additives, manufacturers' recommendations should be consulted before
designing material handling systems using CPVC.

Heat resistance

CPVC can withstand corrosive water at temperatures greater than PVC, typically 40°C to 50°C
(72°F to 90°F) higher, contributing to its popularity as a material for water piping systems in
residential as well as commercial construction.

Mechanical properties

The principal mechanical difference between CPVC and PVC is that CPVC is significantly more
ductile, allowing greater flexure and crush resistance. Additionally, the mechanical strength of
CPVC makes it a viable candidate to replace many types of metal pipe in conditions where metal's
susceptibility to corrosion limits its use.

Fire properties

CPVC is similar to PVC in resistance to fire. It is typically very difficult to ignite and tends to self-
extinguish when not in a directly applied flame.

Due to its chlorine content, the incineration of CPVC, either in a fire or in an industrial disposal
process, can result in the creation of dioxins
 Organotin in PVC and CPVC Water Piping

Organotin Environmental Programme 29may01

Note: The Organotin Environmental Programme (ORTEP) Association is an industry association

dealing with the scientific and technical information on the environmental effects of organotin
compounds.

29 May 2001

Ms. Kelly O'Grady, R.N.

Lead Environmental Awareness and Detection (L.E.A.D.)
219 Welland St.
Pembroke, Ontario Canada K8A 5X5

Dear Ms. O'Grady:

The questions you posted recently on the CEHN listserver concerning trace levels of organotins
in drinking water and the use of triethyltin in PVC were forwarded to the Organotin
Environmental Programme (ORTEP) Association for response.

In response to your first question, I believe the study you are referring to is the Draft
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Pipe Use for
Potable Water Piping in Residential Buildings. The State of California, Department of Housing
and Community Development (HCD) published the report in June 1988. The intent of the EIR
was to examine the use of CPVC for interior potable water plumbing in residential buildings in
California. As part of the EIR, leachates from CPVC pipe into water were reviewed, including
organotins. Organotin compounds are added to CPVC as stabilizers, and there are established
standards for organotin leachates from CPVC. The National Sanitation Foundations (NSF's)
testing of CPVC pipe and fittings includes tests for organotins. Only CPVC pipe and fittings
which meet the ANSI/NSF standards may be certified and sold in California. The Lead Agency,
HCD, concluded that pipe leachates would not cause adverse health effects or significant
environmental contamination. Consequently, CPVC pipe was approved for use in residential
structures in California.

Several studies by Health Canada have been published documenting measured concentrations
of butyltins in drinking water. In both PVC and CPVC pipe, levels of monobutyltin (MBT) and
dibutyltin (DBT) in potable water have been noted in the parts per trillion (ppt) range (Forsyth
and Jay, 1997). However, the occurrence of organotin compounds at low concentrations does
not suggest any potential risk from drinking water.

Sadiki and Williams (1996) studied 45 municipalities and found butyltins in six. The values at
most municipalities were below detectable levels (i.e., c0.5 ppt), Sadiki et al. (1996) further
studied the organotins measured in tap water of five municipalities and found butyltins in only 1
of 22 homes sampled. In a comprehensive study, Sadiki and Williams (1999) monitored
Canadian drinking water distributed through recently installed PVC pipe and found a few
positive detections of butyltins (DBT maximum of 53 ppt, MBT maximum of 28.5 ppt), though
in most cases the concentrations were not detectable (r0.5 ppt). If one considers drinking water
consumption to be two liters per day for an adult and a standard adult body weight to be 60 kg
(WHO 1993; USEPA 1989), a "safe" long-term intake for DBT in water is at least 300 µg/day
(as tin) for an individual. On a concentration basis, this translates to 150 µg/L (as tin) as a
"safe" long-term concentration in water. Considering the recent monitoring data reported for
butyltins in drinking water (Sadiki and Williams 1999), this predicted safe drinking water level is
more than 2,800 times higher than the highest concentration of DBT (53 ppt as Sn) recently
measured from drinking water in PVC piping.

Concerning your second question about whether triethyltin (TET) is used in PVC pipes. The
mono- and di-methyltins and octyltins are used mainly in rigid PVC water pipes and fittings in
countries where lead stabilizers are not permitted by regulation. Tri-substituted organotin
compounds are not used as stabilizers, but some are used primarily as biocide in antifouling
paints for ocean going vessels as fungicides for industrial wood protection or as miticides in the
agricultural area. There are no industrial uses of triethyltin, and there never have been. Without
information concerning the analytical method and quality control measures undertaken, there is
no way to determine whether triethyltin was actually present in the sample analyzed or was a
laboratory contaminant, or misidentified compound. Because organotin compounds vary
considerably with the nature and number of organic groups bonded to the tin atom, the most
appropriate methods of organotin analysis are those that are species-specific.

The Organotin Environmental Programme (ORTEP) Association is an industry association

dealing with the scientific and technical information on the environmental effects of organotin
compounds. One of the ways we accomplish this effort is by providing information on our
website (www.ortepa.org). We, too, are concerned over allegations of human health issues
which is why we are constantly studying our products and support third party certification by
organizations like NSF to assure that the use of organotins does not present a threat to human
health. You are encouraged to periodically check the ORTEPA website for new updates.

Sincerely,

Terry Phipps
ORTEPA Website Administrator

Summary.
The bill will prevent human and environmental exposure to toxins, as well as encourage the
recycling of consumer packaging, by phasing out the use of toxic, nonrecyclable PVC packaging.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 2505 was held by Senate Appropriations committee. Previously the bill
passed out of Sen. E.Q. committee June 23 with a 5-2 vote, passed off the Assembly floor May
28 with a 42-33 vote, passed out of Assembly Appropriations committee May 22 with a 12-5
vote, and passed out of the Asm. Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials committee on April 15
with a 5-2 vote.

Description.
PVC packaging is a human health and an environmental threat. PVC
packaging is toxic in all stages of its lifecycle. PVC production involves large
amounts of dangerous chlorine gas, as well as vinyl chloride, a dangerous
carcinogen. PVC production is responsible for at least one superfund site in
California and studies have linked it with high cancer rates. In the home, PVC packaging can
leach its many toxins through contact with the mouth, and may also shed these particles into
the air to be inhaled. These include phthalates, which mimic human hormones and cause
abnormal growth and heavy metals such as Lead and Cadmium, which cause brain damage in
very small amounts. Once disposed, PVC packaging is not recycled. In fact, PVC packaging is a
potent and expensive contaminant in the recycling streams of other, nontoxic plastic packaging,
preventing municipalities from recycling more. When landfilled or littered PVC packaging
leaches its toxins into the surrounding toxins. Recognizing the dangers these leached toxins
pose to wildlife, the California Ocean Protection Council, an organization created by Governor
Schwarzenegger, called for the banning of vinyl chloride packaging. AB 2505 would phase out
the use of PVC consumer packaging beginning 2013 and concluding 2015.