#VINYL WALLPAPER SKIN#

The high plastic content found in both vinyl and non-vinyl wall coverings makes it highly flammable. Imported and older stock PVC products in particular can have dangerously high levels of toxic metals. A 2010 study by the Ecology Center found more than 40 parts per million of lead, antimony, and cadmium in the tested PVC wallpapers. After lead was banned it was replaced by another dangerous compound, organotin stabilizers. Consumer Product Safety Commission but have yet to be regulated at all in building products.Īnother health concern is the use of heavy metal stabilizers. Phthalates were deemed dangerous enough to be banned in children’s toys by the U.S. A study of adults in northern Europe working in rooms with plastic wall coverings found the workers were twice as likely to develop asthma.ĭue to their chemical structure, phthalates migrate off products into dust and onto occupants, especially children who more frequently are touching the walls. Additionally, some phthalates are known carcinogens and have been identified as likely asthmagens. Studies have linked phthalates to reproductive, developmental, and respiratory health problems in people who have prolonged exposure. Phthalate plasticizers are added to PVC to make it soft and easier to install. The Ecology Center tested thousands of vinyl wall coverings and found that more than half contained one or more harmful chemicals in sufficient quantities to cause concern.

#VINYL WALLPAPER SKIN#

These chemicals lead to asthma, skin and eye irritation, and cancer. Studies show that the main source of indoor VOCs and formaldehyde in homes is PVC wall coverings, rather than new furniture or flooring because it has a surface area that is three to four times greater than that of the floor. Exposure to high levels can be fatal and longer-term exposures to low levels have been linked to toxicity in nearly every major organ system. Vinyl wall coverings can release fumes of vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogenic, into the home. The main component of vinyl wall coverings is a plastic chemical called PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, while non-vinyl wall coverings use plastic alternatives that do not contain PVC. Plastic wallcoverings can be categorized into two types: vinyl and non-vinyl. Imported tile may have high traces of heavy metals such as lead. If you are using tiles, make sure they are manufactured in the United States and use low-VOC adhesives for installation. Wood finishes can also off-gas VOCs into your home. Wood veneer and laminate coverings tend to be more expensive and can have high levels formaldehyde. Other specialty wall coverings exist but are rare in residential housing. Areas that experience a lot of moisture like a bathroom will often be covered with tiles made out of ceramic, stone, quartz, or glass. Some homeowners choose to use specialty wall coverings such as wood veneer, laminate, or tile. In some cases, textiles and wallpaper can be coated with plastic vinyl to increase the longevity of the material. Plastic wall coverings use either a paper or fabric backing that is laminated to a solid plastic decorative surface. The most common are wallpaper, wall textiles, and plastic wall coverings. Wall coverings vary in material and durability. Search for Certified Windows, Doors, & Skylights.Search for Certified Water Filtration Products.

Pros and Cons of Water Filtration Systems and Processes.Exposure to and Protection from Sealant Hazards.Harmful Chemicals in Sealants and Caulks.Search for Certified Paint & Wallcovering Products.What’s in the Can Doesn’t Equal What’s in the Air.Search for Certified Insulation Products.What We Know About Insulation Materials.Flooring Adhesives: The Overlooked Danger.U.S.-Made Personal Protection Equipment.Toxic Hazards for Installers in Retrofits.Product Evaluation and Healthy Building Information.Six Classes: A New Way to Eliminate Harmful Chemicals.

Vinyl wallpaper