The Politics of PVC

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2007-12

Authors

Vess, Lora Elizabeth, 1972-

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

This 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.

Description

xv, 277 p. A print copy of this title is available from the UO Libraries, under the call number: SCIENCE TP1180.V48 V46 2007

Keywords

Health social movements, Green building, Polyvinyl chloride, Environmental health, Environmental justice, Politics, Social movements, PVC

Citation