Vinyl Chloride, also called vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) or chloroethane, is an organochloride used primarily in the production of the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is one of the world’s most widely used plastics in part because it is an economical and versatile material. It is used in variety of applications in construction, health care, electronics, automobiles, and water infrastructure that lead to products such as piping and siding, blood bags and tubing, wire and cable insulation and windshield system components.
The Vinyl Chloride Health Committee promotes further understanding of the potential health effects of vinyl chloride exposure by sponsoring new research and evaluating the information that is already available. The Committee interacts with regulatory agencies to support the continued, safe use of vinyl chloride. In 2000, the Committee expanded its charter to include potential health effects and regulatory issues for ethylene dichloride, a raw material used in the production of vinyl chloride.