Cutting PVC questions

[Dave Johnson29]

Hi people,

I saw a passing comment yesterday I think, that cutting anything with PVC in it is not a good idea.

I just tried an advanced search on PVC for this group and got zero results.

What's the deal with PVC?

I am sure I have welded it in the past and it gets pretty hot and smelly to do that. Hell of a time to find out if it is dangerous!! :eek::eek:

[Scott Erwin]

Here is a link that was some time ago...

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=40701&highlight=Danger

[Joe Pelonio]

Dave,

The fumes from burning PVC can kill humans. If the exhaust vent exits where anyone breathes the fumes there could be a very serious liability issue.

In addition, they are corrosive (hydrochloric acid in gas form) and will eat away the insides of the machine.

I have seen one, and it's not a pretty site, and that was after just one job
where the guy was cutting 1/4" Sintra.

[Joseph deCroy]

Lots of info. on the dangers of PVC at the following link.

http://www.pvcinformation.org/links/index.php?catid=3

[Dave Johnson29]

Lots of info. on the dangers of PVC at the following link.



Thanks Joseph,

That seems to deal with the residue and not the fumes. But if I was to cut PVC I guess there might be some residue issue. I think best to stay away from it all together.

Thanks for the link.

[Joe Pelonio]

For more detail, check the result of burning on the Sintra MSDS

then click here for the msds on hydrogen chloride gas
http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/HY/hydrogen_chloride.html

[Gary Hair]

PVC = Poly Vinyl Chloride. When heated to a certain temp it emits chlorine gas. Chlorine gas mixes with the moisture in the air to create hydrochloric acid. Hydrocloric acid mixes with lung tissue to make mush and also mixes with anything metalic to make mush - nuff said...

Gary

[Dave Johnson29]

For more detail, check the result of burning on the Sintra MSDS then click here for the msds on hydrogen chloride gas


Thanks Joe, Pretty nasty stuff. I will attempt to stay clear of it although I must have breathed it before as I am sure weld temp would be above 350deg. Gotta die of something I guess. :D