What is vinyl chloride?
Vinyl chloride is a chemical compound used primarily in the production of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a plastic widely used in pipes, packaging, coatings, etc. It is a colorless gas at room temperature, which can dissolve in water.
Sources of water contamination:
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Industrial spills:
- Discharges from PVC manufacturing or processing plants.
- Leaks from storage sites or pipelines containing vinyl chloride.
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Groundwater pollution:
- Old industrial sites or landfills containing chemicals can release vinyl chloride into groundwater.
- Degradation of chlorinated solvents (such as tetrachlorethylene or trichlorethylene) can produce vinyl chloride.
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PVC materials:
- Improperly installed or old PVC pipes can release vinyl chloride residue into drinking water, although this is rare.
Health effects:
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Carcinogenicity:
Vinyl chloride is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the WHO. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of liver cancer, particularly hepatovascular sarcoma. -
Other effects:
It can also cause neurological disorders, respiratory problems, or damage to the kidneys and immune system.
Regulations and limits:
- WHO: Recommended maximum limit of 0.5 µg/L in drinking water.
- Europe and France: Strict standards are in place to monitor concentrations in water intended for human consumption.
Prevention and treatment:
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Monitoring:
- Water treatment facilities should regularly test for contaminants like vinyl chloride.
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Infrastructure replacement:
- Pipes or tanks that may release vinyl chloride should be replaced with safer materials.
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Water filtration:
- Activated carbon filtration such as Monderma Black filters: This method is particularly effective in removing volatile organic compounds, such as vinyl chloride, by adsorbing them onto the porous surface of the activated carbon.
- Certified filters: High quality filters, such as filters Coldstream FTO+ or other high density activated carbon filters, are ideal to guarantee optimal purification.
- Recommended systems: A gravity fountain, such as those of the Monderma or Berkey type, equipped with these filters, constitutes a simple, economical and effective solution for obtaining healthy water free of contaminants.
