NY PVC Pipe Restriction Law
New York enacted the first state law restricting the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) and other plastic pipes. The law expired in 2005. In 2004, reauthorizing legislation passed the Assembly and Senate, but was vetoed by Governor George Pataki, who came under intense pressure from the chemical industry.
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Firefighters Support Alternatives to PVC Pipes
The Uniformed Fire Officers Association wrote the Governor in support of reauthorizing the law in 2004 and noted that, “Dozens of our members have died, and many are still suffering from health effects after being exposed to the byproducts of combustion from the PVC-laden 100 tons of PVC wire sheathing New York Telephone company fire in 1975.”
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Environmental & Labor Coalition Supports Law
This December 2004 News Release was issued by a coalition of environmental and labor groups protesting the Governor’s veto of reauthorizing legislation. Also included is a Memo of Support and fact sheet by Citizens’ Environmental Coalition.
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Advertisement on Dangers of PVC Plastic
A NY plumbers union placed this ad in a state capital newspaper to educate policymakers about PVC health risks. It states, “Should NY let the chemical companies make the rules? That’s like letting the fox guard the henhouse. The use of PVC plastic in buildings puts everyone in danger.”
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News Articles
The statewide effort to reauthorize the law received a significant amount of media attention in 2004, including articles in Buffalo News and industry journal Plastics News.
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