Polyvinyl chloride--its risk potential in the hospital.

A potential risk management problem for hospitals is the thermal degradation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a synthetic, plastic, polymer wire insulating material which releases hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas when it is thermally degraded. Inhalation of HCl, either as a gas or in combination with water vapor, is irritating to all mucous membranes. Thermal degradation of 25 feet of PVC wire yields 1.4 mg HCl/L, which is 70 times greater than the recommended maximum concentration. Because of the potential risks, ther is an immediate need to develop a safe, economical substitute for PVC.