Toxicity of the components of poly(vinylchloride) polymers additives

The salient features of the toxicity of a number of additives used in polyvinyl chloride polymers were reviewed with primary emphasis on the toxicity of plasticizers (e.g., diethylhexyl phthalate and its metabolites, butylbenzylphthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate), heat stabilizers (e.g., organotin and lead stabilizers), blowing agents (e.g., azodicarbonamide), free-radical initiators (e.g., benzoylperoxide, lauroyl peroxide, ter.butylhydroperoxide and di-tert.butylperoxide, and flame retardants (e.g., decabromodiphenyl oxide). The paucity of toxicity data on the vast majority of PVC additives should be stressed.