Estimates of current numbers of exposed workers to Vinyl Chloride in the EU are not available. In 1993, a number of 40,000 exposed workers for the EU 15 was estimated.

Exposure to vinyl chloride mainly occurs through inhalation. Prolonged exposure can cause cancer in the liver, brain, blood and lungs. Vinyl chloride has a harmonised classification under the CLP regulation as Carcinogenic Category 1A, which means it may cause cancer in humans.

Where risks occur

The main route of occupational exposure to vinyl chloride is by inhalation, which occurs mainly in (poly) vinyl chloride (PVC) plants and in PVC-processing plants (including packaging, storage and handling of vinyl chloride). Workers in the sectors of manufacture of industrial chemicals, plastic products, fabricated metal products or machinery are at risk as well as workers occupied in services allied to transport and construction.

More about the substance

Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas that burns easily. It has a mild, sweet odor, but the odor is not an adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. It does not occur naturally and must be produced industrially for its commercial uses. Vinyl chloride is used primarily to make PVC; PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings and packaging materials. Vinyl chloride is also present in tobacco smoke.

Hazards that may occur

Acute exposure to vinyl chloride can lead to symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, fatigue, weight loss, numbness and tingling of the extremities, visual disturbances and in severe cases coma and death. It can also irritate the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. At low exposure levels, the body is able to process vinyl chloride and excrete it in urine. Chronic exposure can cause permanent liver damage and liver cancer, neurologic or behavioral symptoms and changes to the skin and bones of the hand.

The latency period between exposure and vinyl chloride related cancers varies strongly depending on the different types of cancer.

What you can do

The most effective way to prevent exposure is to substitute with vinyl chloride-free or lower-vinyl chloride oxide products. If vinyl chloride-containing products cannot be substituted, the exposure to vinyl chloride should be reduced through engineering controls, e. g. closed systems. In case this is not possible, install non-sparking ventilation systems and provide eyewash and safety shower if contact or splash hazard exists. Periodically carry out representative exposure measurements so that it is known when and where action should be taken.

Make workers continuously aware of the effects of exposure and encourage them to report early symptoms. In addition, train workers on hazards, safe work practices and on effective hygiene measures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should only be used as a last resort, after introducing the possible engineering solutions. PPE includes safety goggles, chemical resistant clothing and gloves (chemical resistant or insulated) and respirators.

References: cancer.gov, OSHA, IARC, CDC