Because PVC is made from chlorine it is also a major source of dioxin pollution. Governments typically identify and regulate dioxin emission by point sources, such as incinerators. It is clear, however, that the true source of the dioxin is not the facility, but the chlorine it uses. More chlorine is used to make PVC than any other product, making PVC more responsible for the global spread of dioxin than any other material.
Dioxins are extraordinarily toxic molecules.
Dioxin has been linked to a wide spectrum of health effects, including diabetes, testicular atrophy, immune system impairment, birth defects, endometriosis and problems with cognitive development. The spread of dioxin from PVC begins at the huge chemical plants, which make vinyl chloride monomer, the building block for PVC polymers. Wastes from vinyl chloride production have levels of dioxin that match those found in Agent Orange wastes. Much of this dioxin is emitted when these wastes are incinerated. Some has been dumped directly into the environment.