Thermal decomposition products of PVC plastics: effects on guinea pig lung mechanics and pulmonary mixed function...

The toxicity of the thermal decomposition products of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic were studied and their pulmonary effects in guinea pigs evaluated. Measures of toxicity included lethality, alteration in lung mechanical function, lung mixed function oxidase enzyme activity and lung organ to body weight ratio. A technical PVC formulation (composition not known) was more lethal than another formulation designed to simulate electrical insulation. Both materials and pure PVC produced highly irritant gases as measured by changes in respiratory rate and compliance (decreased) and total flow resistance (increased). While adverse pulmonary mechanical effects in lung function were observed, lung biochemical parameters were relatively unchanged.