Flooring
 A quiet revolution dependent
on phthalate plasticisers
Plasticised PVC makes comfortable, safe and stylish floors for
buildings of every size and use all over the world and at a price
within the reach of millions. These floors are no less than a quiet
revolution dependent on phthalate plasticisers.
Flooring manufacturers combine phthalates with PVC powder to
make a soft and flexible finished product. Thanks to phthalates,
manufacturers can achieve an exciting range of diverse designs.
Manufacturers produce most PVC floors by a process known as
'plastisol spread coating'. In this, phthalates are essential to
producing a liquid paste or 'plastisol', from solid PVC particles.
The paste is applied in several layers so that the floor is
literally 'built up'. Typically these include a foam core, a
decorative layer and a clear protective wear layer.
Manufacturers use several different types of phthalate and each
one has its own particular properties. Diisononyl phthalate (DINP),
di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP) and
diisoheptyl phthalate (DIHP) are all used for floors.
Plastisols prepared with these phthalates are rapidly fused so
that the layers can be applied at a high production rate. This
ensures that the whole process is cost-effective. These
plasticisers also enable the plastisols to be processed at a range
of temperatures, while giving consistent, high quality foams.
Thanks to these integral foams, soft PVC floorings deaden sound,
have a pleasing softness under foot and yet are hard wearing.
Manufacturers can build up complex patterns and
three-dimensional effects through these layers and offer more
choice of styles and effects than would otherwise be possible. The
end results are colourful, smooth and shiny surfaces that are
modern and eye-catching.
Aesthetic value is not the only advantage of soft PVC floors.
The smooth, tough surface of the upper wear layer prevents dust and
dirt from building up and microbes breeding. In sensitive areas
such as hospitals and clinics the hygienic quality of soft PVC
reduces disease and infections. In the home, too, PVC floors in
kitchens and bathrooms help to protect our health every day.
The robust surfaces of soft PVC cut down the need for cleaning
and the use of polish. They are a natural choice in schools,
offices and public buildings with large floor areas, where
robustness and low maintenance are vital.
PVC floors are outstandingly durable and typically last for up
to 20 years of intensive use. Over all this time, despite large
daily temperature changes, phthalates guarantee the flexibility of
the application. They also resist degradation and discolouring from
exposure to ultra violet (UV) light.
Modern manufacturing techniques ensure that PVC flooring meets
the stringent EU regulations on emissions.
Phthalates and safety
Certain groups have in recent years alleged that the migration
of phthalates from flooring may pose a threat to the environment or
human health.
These allegations are not based on objective scientific facts.
Whilst phthalates can migrate out of PVC flooring (for example,
during and after cleaning), the amount which is lost to the
environment is negligible.
Phthalates biodegrade rapidly in almost all conditions, except
for oxygen-less (anaerobic) sediments in water. However, recent
studies have shown no adverse effect on the organisms which live in
these sediments.
Concerns have also been expressed that phthalates in PVC floors
may provoke asthma in children. This is not supported by the weight
of scientific evidence and also runs counter to experience over
many decades of PVC use in homes, hospitals, offices and public
institutions. Indeed, PVC is frequently used in environments where
there is a need to specifically reduce dust which can aggravate
asthma.
Please also refer to the Plasticisers in PVC flooring web site
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