Vinyl Chloride (VC) Poisoning

          by David P. Willis, Attorney at Law

In 1958, the makers of vinyl chloride began their first marketing campaigns for its new product that was an allegedly safer alternative to chlorofluorocarbons, which had been cited for their ozone depletion and were on their way out of the market (2).  For the next 15-20 years, vinyl chloride was a commonly used propellant in hairspray. 

Vinyl Chloride Cancers - What Did the Makers of Vinyl Chloride Know?

Although the public was kept in the dark until the early 70's, there were many skeptics surrounding the use VC's.  According to a study done by the B.F. Goodrich Chemical Co. in March of 1969, stylist and their patrons were in more danger than even the chemical plant workers themselves (2).  The report noted that when the salons were using the products, the amount of VC in the air could reach as high as 1400ppm, well over the federal standard set at 500ppm (2).  Although the companies acknowledged this, they felt the financial benefits offset the risks of lawsuits caused from the liver cancers vinyl chloride can produce.

Union Carbide, in 1971, did a study, with leading scientist Dr. P.L. Viola citing the amount of tumors occurring in rats exposed to high levels of vinyl chloride.  Approximately 10-15% of rats exposed to levels of VC of 5000ppm developed tumors and saw other effects.  Yet even with this study, the company's manufacturing these propellants still sold and did not acknowledge their health effects. 

Finally in 1974, B.F. Goodrich disclosed their studies and findings that cancer was developing in the lab rats studied to the FDA.  This quickly led to a recall of many products and an immediate stop of the sale of vinyl chlorides for the use of drugs and cosmetics. Though the FDA banned its use in drugs and cosmetics, the result of the thousands of stylist being exposed to VC is yet to be determined.  In many cases 20 and 30 years later, these cancers are just now starting to develop. 

Vinyl Chloride Cancer         

Angiosarcoma, brain, and liver cancer are all now being linked to exposure to vinyl chloride.  The only known source for brain cancer, outside of ionizing radiation occurs from the inhalation of vinyl chloride.  The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says that people who have breathed vinyl chloride may have changes in their liver structure.  Nerve damage may also occur (3). 

There are many symptoms that people exposed to vinyl chloride should be aware of.  Symptoms of angiosarcoma include: enlarging bruises, lesions, growing abdominal tumors, hemorrhage, anemia, hematoma, and gastrointestinal bleeding are among the many symptoms (1).  If you have been exposed to high levels of vinyl chloride for lengthy periods of time and are exhibiting symptoms, you should talk to a doctor and discuss your exposure and obtain medical consultation. 

"Angiosarcomas." DermNet NZ. 18 Mar. 2008. New Zealand Dermatological Society

 Incorporated. 15 July 2008 .

The Inside Story: Hairspray. 25 Mar. 2001. Chemical Industry Archives. 15 July 2008

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"ToxFAQs for Vinyl Chloride." Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. 2006.            .