Toxicity, and Reuse/Recyclability of Plumbing Materials

Toxicity of Materials Used for Pipes in Plumbing-

Copper -

¨ Corrosion process much slower than plastics or iron. Copper oxides much slower than other pipe materials. Therefore, copper is desired for supply lines.

¨ Copper is poisonous and can be washed out of waste, though ingesting small amounts are critical for mammal survive.

¨ Does not accumulate in the food chain.

¨ Humans exposed to high amounts of copper can cause irritation of mouth, nose, eyes, also vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, organ failure, even death.

¨ If the water in the copper pipe is acidic, then oxidation accelerated and copper seeps into water.

¨ An ingredient in wood impregnation, so that can’t be good

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) & ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) Plastics-

¨ PVC- persistent carcinogenic, can cause damage to liver, lungs, skin and joints; irritates inhalation routes; poisonous to water organisms.

¨ PVC- Corrodes quicker than copper through UV light exposure and oxidation, which in turn, can contaminate water- more toxic than copper. Often used for waste pipes.

¨ PVC- National Sanitation Foundation claims PVC pipes as non-toxic, odorless, and tasteless, and also lists PVC as a recommendation for drinking water.

¨ ABS- more toxic than PVC, oxidizes quicker from water and oxygen. PVC recommended over ABS, usually.

Cast-Iron

¨ Corrodes much faster than copper and PVC.

¨ Slightly toxic. Slightly more toxic if it has been galvanized (Zinc) to prevent corrosion.

¨ Almost all organisms require small amounts of iron for survival.

¨ Oxidation in pipes can affect the taste of water.

¨ More likely used for waste pipes, instead of PVC, because of iron being quieter.

Fired Clay

¨ No toxicity, an earth product. As long as it hasn’t been glazed or colored.

¨ Can be used for supply and waste pipes, though, due to thickness needed for pressure, usually used for waste pipes.

Ability for Reuse and/or Recyclabilty for Materials Used in Plumbing

Copper-

¨ Recyclable - nearly 100%, though surface treatments can cause complications.

¨ Oxidizes or corrodes very slowly.

¨ Energy wise, more suitable for reuse- very durable.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride)-

¨ Waste is very poisonous to environment- heavy metals, like cadmium, is used for a UV stabilizing additive.

¨ Possible to be recycled by melting down, though more additives are needed. Therefore, the life cycle is very short. Usually only recycled once, because of all the additives.

¨ Can be recycled into chlorine. When burnt, concentrated hydrochloric acid is formed. When exposed to UV light, hydrogen chloride is formed.

¨ It decomposes very slowly.

¨ Reuse is unlikely, since lifespan is 8-30 years, depending on exposure to light and oxygen.

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)-

¨ Not recyclable- too many additives.

¨ Oxides quicker than PVC, so even less reusable than PVC.

¨ Lifespan only 15 years, so reusability is unlikely.

Cast Iron-

¨ Nearly 100 % recyclable, though galvanization can cause complications.

¨ Oxides much quicker than copper, especially when exposed to water.

¨ Reuse is unlikely because of corrosion, If galvanized for corrosive protection, there is a possibility for reuse- though makes recyclabilty more difficult.

¨ When re-smelting iron, arsenic is produced, which can be used for impregnating wood.

Clay-

¨ Durability is very high, so reuse is very possible.

¨ Not recyclable, unless fired under 600 degrees Celsius, which is unlikely for pipes.