Vess, Lora Elizabeth, 1972-2008-05-122008-05-122007-12https://hdl.handle.net/1794/6195xv, 277 p. A print copy of this title is available from the UO Libraries, under the call number: SCIENCE TP1180.V48 V46 2007This dissertation examines the political, scientific, social, environmental, and health debates surrounding the use of polyvinyl chloride (commonly called vinyl), a plastic many public health advocates and activists contend has a toxic lifecycle with deleterious human and ecological impacts at every stage. Using extensive documentary research and in-depth interviews, I answer a basic question: how and why have major stakeholders politicized PVC in recent decades? I find the strength of the anti-PVC movement lies largely in its broad based constituency: it includes professionals within the health care and green building industries, as well as labor unions and environmental health advocates. However, I raise critical questions about the movement's strategy of situating itself as a market-based movement where limited analysis is given to the greater environmental and health impacts of the health care and building industries as a whole.58135 bytes11963270 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USHealth social movementsGreen buildingPolyvinyl chlorideEnvironmental healthEnvironmental justicePoliticsSocial movementsPVCThesis