Posted By Bill Elliott I am trying to establish if there are adverse health implications following ingestion of "Finished" upvc products. I am aware of the problems associated with all the constituent parts used in its manufacture and am only looking for guidance on the waste generated during cutting upvc products when making up window/door frames for example. I think I am right in saying that it is chemically inert but there may be issues with any stabilisers or pigments used. Any advice gratefully received.

Posted By Ken Taylor The squirrels once ate a friend's plastic gutters - so they seemed to think the practice worthwhile. To be serious, I suspect that the ingestion risk from the finished product will relate to possible physical damage from particle size and profile. However, it would seem worth investigating for contamination by constituents and production substances (eg from machining).

Posted By Peter J Harvey The particle size and cumulative damage to the lungs will have to be considered. In a normal manufacture process you will produce dust particles the majority of which will be great than 10um however a percentage will be in the respiratory range and although inert accumulate and potentially cause damage in the lower respiratory tract. I have had had some tests completed to check for vinyl chloride gas in welding PVCU profile and these all proved negative. It would be unusual to see any machining fluids used. You need to be aware of some of the production cleaning processes, which if not set up well could blow small particles into the respiratory area. They can cause some severe irritation and adequate controls need to be in place. Modern production machinery comes equipped with good extraction vents and if you talk to Nederman they have done some work in extracting in this type of environment. If you need any more please email me.