We used to make Native American Flutes using PVC. But after we did some research we have decided not to make Flutes from PVC anymore. Making a flute from Cane or Bamboo is a healthy alternative to the use of PVC.

Please educate yourself about PVC. Read some of what we found out regarding the Health Hazards of PVC and dispose of your PVC flute. I have listed the website addresses to these organizations in this article. Go to the websites of these organizations and read all that they have to say. It's compelling evidence, that PVC is harmful.


#1 - Apple Computers
http://www.apple.com/environment/materials/
"Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of PVC in its products by the end of  2008."

#2 - Endo Online - The voice of the Endometriosis Association
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/pvc.html

"One of the widely used phthalates in PVC products is di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a toxic chemical that has been associated with damage to the heart, liver, ovaries, testes, lungs and kidneys. DEHP in medical equipment like IV (intravenous) bags is especially concerning due to the possible leaching of DEHP into the body....Another example of exposure to phthalates and harmful plasticizers is through food wrapped in PVC cling wrap. Many meats, cheeses and other foods sold in delis and grocery stores are wrapped in PVC. Scientists have found evidence of toxic additives migrating into the food. In addition to phthalates, other harmful additives like nonyl phenol, organotins, cadmium, and lead are often used in PVC. Many of these additives, such as nonyl phenol, disrupt hormonal systems. Lead is known to cause brain and nervous system damage, convulsions, coma, fatigue, mental retardation, hyperactivity, and reproductive problems."

#3 - Turner Toys
www.turnertoys.com

PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl) is widely used in toys and other children's products. For soft applications, such as toys designed for chewing ("teethers"), softeners or plasticisers are added to give the desired flexibility. Although a range of chemicals are used as softeners, phthalate esters (phthalates) are by far the most commonly used. Phthalates do not bind to the PVC, remaining present as a freely mobile and leachable phase in the plastic. As a consequence, phthalates are continuously lost from soft PVC over time. Contact and pressure, such as that applied during teething or play, can increase the rates at which these chemicals leach from the plastic. ... "

#4 - Phelios Inc
http://www.phelios.com/sd/archives/may05.html

" It has become apparent that this seemingly harmless plastic, PVC, is one of the most environmentally hazardous consumer materials produced. Although it appears to be the ideal building material, PVC has high environmental and human health costs that its manufacturers fail to tell consumers. If you’ve learned that PVC is totally safe, you’ve been lied to. PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl) is the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective, threatening major, singular hazards from its inception to its disposal. In other words, PVC becomes harmful the second it’s created until it is disposed of – and even at that point, it still poses toxic exposure inside a landfill or incinerator. That means it emits toxic compounds when it’s being made, while you have it and when it gets disposed of. "

#5 - World Watch
www.worldwatch.org

"... New studies are shedding light on the potential health hazards from PVC. Phthalates, a group of chemicals that are mixed into PVC to add flexibility, continuously leak out of the material and into the surrounding environment. Children absorb these compounds when they suck on toys or crawl on vinyl flooring. Swedish researchers recently reported that male workers in PVC plants have a risk of developing a form of testicular cancer - seminoma - that is six times that of the general population.
McGinn argues that cost-effective, workable substitutes exist for the bulk of PVC's current uses. In construction, where 60 percent of PVC is used, replacements in siding, pipes, cable insulation, flooring, and window frames include non-chlorinated plastics and modified, traditional materials like aluminum, wood, and ductile iron. Some communities now prohibit PVC from transportation, building, and infrastructure projects. "

#6 - The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ)
http://www.chej.org/BESAFE/pvc/about.htm

"....the European Parliament voted in July, 2005 to permanently ban the use of certain toxic phthalates in toys. One EPA study found that vinyl shower curtains can cause elevated levels of dangerous air toxins, which can persist for more than a month."

#7 - Greenpeace
www.greenpeace.org
Amsterdam -- Greenpeace welcomed the announcement from major toy retailer Toys R Us of a worldwide withdrawal of 'all direct-to-mouth products for infant use... such as teethers, rattles and pacifiers', containing the hazardous additives phthalates, used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC), . "

#8 - Diapers Etc.
http://www.diapersetc.com/content/bpa-safety-guide.html

#9 - Machine Design
http://machinedesign.com/article/no-more-pvc-1213

#10 - EuroActiv
http://www.euractiv.com/en/health/permanent-phthalates-ban-toys-approved/article-142028

#11 - Environment News Service
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2005/2005-07-06-05.asp