PVC Bags and Clothing are a Fashion Don’t
This material is a faux pas
Fashion Week is right around the corner, and one trend we don’t want to see on the runway is PVC. In recent years, PVC has made its way into the fashion world through trendy see-through bags or rain coats.
What is PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (AKA PVC or vinyl) is a solid plastic made from vinyl chloride gas. PVC can be hard and rigid, or it can be extremely flexible. It’s flexibility depends whether or not phthalates are added during production. Because it’s water resistant and durable, PVC is used in a lot of different products, including flooring, wall decals, pipes, medical equipment, and of course clothing.
The Problem
Although PVC is used in a lot of things, it’s actually pretty bad for health. You can be exposed by touching a PVC product, inhaling fumes from a PVC manufacturing plant or landfill, or accidentally swallowing PVC from food packaging or contaminated water (1). Vinyl chloride, the main component of PVC, is a known carcinogen. Exposure to vinyl chloride gas is associated with an increased risk of liver, brain, lung, and blood cancers, as well as lymphoma. (2)
If you’re exposed to PVC, you’re also being exposed to phthalates and chlorine as well. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which change the way hormones are made and disturbed throughout the body. Plus, PVC isn’t good for the environment because it’s extremely difficult to recycle.
How to Avoid PVC in Fashion
Steer clear of anything see-through! A clear bag is almost always made from PVC, so it’s better to just avoid this trend all together. Plus, everyone can see what you carry around in your bag. Does the entire world need to see half dozen chapsticks and a phone charger floating around our purses?! Probably not. Instead of buying a plastic bag, look for one made from natural materials like cotton or leather. Natural materials are also extremely durable and will hold up well over time. The great thing about fashion is that trends come and go and in a year people will probably be onto the next big thing.
References
- https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/polyvinyl-chloride-pvc
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/vinyl-chloride