In a huge step toward creating a healthier Earth, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it will prioritize the investigation of a commonly used flammable toxic chemical: vinyl chloride.
Vinyl chloride, a type of colorless gas, is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride, a hard plastic resin that makes up about 12% of the world's plastic products and was recognized as a human carcinogen as far back as the 1970s, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
According to Inside Climate News, the decision is largely thanks to environmental groups that advocated for a ban on vinyl chloride by visiting EPA offices and collecting thousands of petition signatures.
"We are pleased that EPA has taken the first step in a comprehensive scientific review, and we are hopeful that it concludes with the decision to ban vinyl chloride because there is more than enough science on this chemical to warrant a ban," said Judith Enck, a former EPA regional administrator and the president of Beyond Plastics.
The timely decision follows a crash in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train carrying vinyl chloride derailed and caught fire, raising concerns about harmful pollution in the area.
Inhaling the smoke and toxic fumes from the train crash seemed to create issues for the town's residents, who later reported headaches, nausea, nosebleeds, and coughing among their symptoms, per Inside Climate News.
Get a new phone with unlimited 5G and zero activation fees — for just $40 a month Metro by T-Mobile gives you smart value, whether you need a new phone or are just looking for a better plan. This holiday season, get a free 5G phone with no activation fees, for just $40/month. That includes unlimited talk and text, already bundled with taxes and fees. Or, keep your existing phone and number and get unlimited 5G for just $25/month. Either way, enjoy T-Mobile’s Scam Shield technology at no extra cost. Plus, you can even level up to an iPhone 16e this month. Just bring your number and ID and sign up for $50 with the auto pay plan. Learn more → |
Thankfully, actions from the EPA, corporations, and individuals in advocacy groups create a collective effort toward a safer, more sustainable future for people and the planet.
Plastic takes hundreds and hundreds of years to decompose and releases chemicals that can cause harm to humans and wildlife, but we can reduce plastic waste by bringing awareness to the dangers created by the industry and cutting down on single-use products.
Companies such as Apple, IKEA, Nike, and others have already committed to getting rid of PVC in their products, per advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, aligning with the U.S. Plastics Pact's goal to eliminate problematic materials by 2025.
"If you live, work or attend school along the rail line, you and your loved ones are at risk for the same fate as East Palestine, Ohio,"Jess Conard, an advocate for Beyond Plastics, told Inside Climate News. "We cannot continue to put our children at risk. It is time to ban vinyl chloride."
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
"That accident was a chilling warning that we must act now to ban petrochemicals like vinyl chloride and keep communities safe from known carcinogens," former EPA regional administrator and Beyond Petrochemicals leader Heather McTeer Toney told CBS News.
Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
