Used in everything from construction and plumbing to magnetic stripe cards and vinyl records, polyvinyl chloride — PVC — was discovered in the mid-1800s and has since been used extensively in thousands of commercial products. As a hard plastic, it is an inexpensive option for plumbers. And it accounts anywhere from 66 to 75% of the sanitary pipes in the U.S. since it is both light-weight and high-strength. As a soft plastic, it's used in manufacturing clothing and upholstery.

Polyvinyl chloride properties are often criticized because of plasticizing chemicals called phthalates. Compounded with PVC to make it flexible, these phthalates can seep vinyl in the form of gases and cause a variety of potential health problems. The European Union banned 6 types of phthalates which were used in making children's toys, hospital products and shower curtains.

Consider the following preferences for your plastic materials:

1. Local hardware stores or polyvinyl chloride manufacturers with multiple shipping locations

2. Overstock polyvinyl chloride

3. Eco-friendly practices when using PVC

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get variety and instant service from PVC manufacturers or local hardware stores

PVC manufacturers make PVC pipe available not only locally, but also through a variety of online sources. You can either skip the shipping costs and shop through your local hardware store or search online for deals through manufacturers who can ship in-stock pipe cheaply and quickly. A local hardware store will also often cut PVC pipe to desired length without charge.

I recommend: Manufacturers of polyvinyl chloride, Protank Liquid Handling Products ships industrial plastic pipe from 16 different U.S. and Canadian locations. Search your local Lowe's for a wide variety of PVC pipes, PVC joints, PVC valves and PVC glue.

Cut costs and buy from overstock polyvinyl chloride suppliers

One of the best things about PVC is that it is extremely durable. If your main goal is to cut costs, check out refurbished or gently used pipe in both rigid and flexible forms. Not only will reusing PVC leach fewer chemical gases into the air and cut virgin material use, buying recycled or overstock thermoplastics can drastically cut costs in home building and manufacturing housings for portable electronics.

I recommend: United Plastic Recycling offers post-consumer PVC products as well as its PVC recycling services. PLCCenter can get you used surplus and refurbished PVC plastic complete with 12-month warranties and product guarantees.

Go 'green' with safe PVC installation practices or eco-friendly PVC alternatives

Since companies and individuals are more and more looking for 'green' options, you may be concerned about reliable PVC application and even alternatives. Several environmental and building associations list economical and eco-friendly alternatives to PVC such as high density polyethylene -- HDPE -- and galvanized steel. Many of the alternatives are more durable and offer better UV resistance than PVC. If you still plan to use PVC, stay abreast of environmental impacts and safe practices to keep your employees, the environment, and your business' reputation healthy.

I recommend: Check out the Center for Health, Environment and Justice or the Healthy Building Network for a list of alternatives to polyvinyl chloride manufacturers in multiple applications. PVCinformation.org lists both health and environmental impacts of phthalate-containing PVC.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't just toss building material containing polyvinylchloride (PVC) into the trash -- it will end up in a landfill where scientists say it could release carcinogens into groundwater. Contact your local environmental protection agency for a list of PVC recyclers.