Vinyl chloride in rural water from pre-1977 applications of PVC pipe

In the early 1990s, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) was found in a rural water system that included poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) pipe manufactured prior to 1977. Because VCM, considered a human carcinogen, was not regulated in pipe until 1977, some pre‐1977 pipes could contain it at significant levels. M...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of vinyl & additive technology 2001-03, Vol.7 (1), p.43-50
Main Authors: Carroll Jr, William F., Eckstein, Dave
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination
Exact sciences and technology
Pollution
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:In the early 1990s, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) was found in a rural water system that included poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) pipe manufactured prior to 1977. Because VCM, considered a human carcinogen, was not regulated in pipe until 1977, some pre‐1977 pipes could contain it at significant levels. Manufacturing processes adopted in 1975 and in place by 1977 reduced VCM levels by as much as a factor of 1000. Pipe manufactured by using the newer resin technology does not show detectable VCM migration under any reasonable installation circumstances. Migration of VCM is a function of pipe size, VCM concentration at time of installation, water temperature, and flow rate. History, scientific investigations, and conclusions drawn from field investigations are summarized. Tools for the determination of possible candidate systems, potential noncompliance, and remediation, both short‐term and long‐term, are provided. A spreadsheet‐based computer model of diffusion is described.
ISSN:1083-5601
1548-0585
DOI:10.1002/vnl.10263