Optimization of PVC-free materials in cables

6. Environmental Evaluation of the Selected Materials

6.1 The Summary of the Environmental Evaluation

In order to make sure that the HFFR materials present no unexpected hazards to workers, users and to the environment, an environmental evaluation of the selected materials has been carried out by Jørgen Larsen from the Danish Technological Institute.

The report as a whole is included as appendix 10.

6.1 The Summary of the Environmental Evaluation

The report describes the accumulated results of a toxicological and eco-toxicological evaluation of the chemical ingredients in each material. The results from the evaluation of the different compounds are presented in both a specific matrix where the focus is on the material and in a relative matrix where the compounds are compared to PVC.

The results from the 3 eco-profile reports emphasized that no significant differences exist between the 3 selected HFFR compounds, neither from a toxicological nor eco-toxicological point of view. In this summary report, the presentation of the 3 HFFR compounds is therefore treated as one.

The specific matrix shows that the problematic elements ("the fingerprints") of the selected HFFR compounds are primarily in the production phase. The process takes place at an elevated temperature and pressure and there is thus a risk of run-away reaction with a danger of fires and explosions.

The breakdown products, when processing the material, comprise a number of acids, ketones and aldehydes with a potential for airway irritation in humans. The coupling agents might be of some concern in the work environment during compounding and manufacturing of products.

From a environmental point of view, carbon oxides, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons are the important air emissions. Waste water from the polymerization will have a high BOD value and should therefore be treated before discharge to the recipient.

The energy consumption in the production of the selected HFFR compounds will differ according to the particular material but will in all circumstances be larger than for NKT's PVC no. 5313.

The material is only of minor concern in normal use.

When deposited on landfill, HFFR compounds are very slowly degraded, if degraded at all. HFFR compounds do not give rise to any serious problems in waste incineration.

From a health and environmental point of view, the problematic elements ("the fingerprints") in the life cycle of NKT's PVC no. 5313 are primarily in the production process (including the compounding and processing) and waste management. However, PVC may also constitute a problem during use in connection with unintentional fires.

Emissions of VCM (vinyl chloride monomer), EDC (ethylene dichloride) and dioxines are the most important substances to control in the production (during production of raw materials and polymerization), due to their potential large emissions and their health effects. From an environmental point of view, it is furthermore important to control releases of all chlorinated substances, including dioxines.

The plasticizers might perhaps be of some concern in the work environment during compounding and manufacturing of products.

The material is only of minor concern in normal use. PVC does not burn by itself and has a comparatively high self ignition temperature. However, if other materials support a fire PVC will burn under the formation of e.g. carbon oxides and hydrochloric acid fumes and the soot formed at the fire may contain traces of dioxines, the amount depends on the fire conditions.

It is questioned for the time being whether it is feasible to recycle PVC containing lead from old cables because it keeps lead in circulation in society instead of phasing it out.

When deposited on landfill, PVC is very slowly degraded, if degraded at all.

PVC plasticizer may leach out of the product and could be a source to emissions to soil and water.

By the incineration of PVC, hydrochloric acid is formed. Because of the environmental effects of the acidic fumes the stack gasses are normally neutralized by the use of large amounts of lime. Dioxines may occur, however, the amount depends on the fire conditions.

The residues from the cleaning of stack fumes from incineration of cable waste contain metals and traces of dioxines.

Even through the energy consumption during production of raw materials of the HFFR are larger than for the PVC material, the HFFR compounds must be considered as an environmentally friendly alternative to PVC. This judgement is primarily based on the fact that no potential for exposure and effects of carcinogenic substances during production and lower amounts of acidic fumes and dioxines are formed by waste disposal. Furthermore, there is no need for addition of plasticizers like e.g. phthalates often used in products made of PVC. The material is only of minor concern in normal use, however, PVC may constitute a problem during use in connection with unintentional fires. If other materials support a fire PVC will burn under the formation of e.g. carbon oxides and hydrochloric acid fumes. The soot formed at the fire may contain traces of dioxines, dependent on the fire conditions.