Commentary: Regulatory Aspects and Research Needs

Abstract

This conference has underscored the many gaps in our understanding of the behavior of vinyl chloride and the inadequacies of current research efforts to improve the data base which supports the regulatory decisions that must be made now. In addition to the need for much better information on the human health effects of exposures to low levels of vinyl chloride, we know relatively little about the persistence of vinyl chloride in air and water and the degradation products associated with this chemical, the ecological effects of vinyl chloride, particularly as it interacts with aquatic organisms, and the rates of migration of unreacted vinyl chloride monomer from products containing PVC during their use and disposal. Perhaps, even more importantly the conference has highlighted what many environmentalists are calling the tip of the icebergan iceberg of chemical problems that will continue to float to the surface during the decades ahead. For example, the array of hundreds of chemicals added to plastics that was shown here clearly illustrated the complexity of the task of the researcher in attempting to provide an early warning of future problems. It certainly appears that, except for continuing concern over spills and accidents, government and industry have been rather complacent with regard to the potential environmental threat from the high volume industrial chemicals. This complacency is in large measure attributable to the relative absence of visible and uncontrolled dangers from exposure to the chemicals during their long histories. In addi-