|
 |
|
News
|
|
| LEEDS & HDPE
|
|
HDPE pipe is a primary alternative to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe for all piping applications and is rapidly gaining market share for potable water, sewer, conduit and ducting, DWV (drain, waste and vent,) agriculture, and ground drainage uses. Used since the 1950’s, HDPE has demonstrated its effectiveness through its durability, leak-free performance, corrosion resistance, and ductility. Its greater resilience and flexibility make it less susceptible than PVC to surges, damage from digging, and shifting soils during earthquakes.
HDPE is also preferable to PVC as it is chlorine-free, requires fewer additives in its manufacture, and has a much higher recycling rate than PVC. Commonly referred to as vinyl, PVC is a common plastic used in a wide variety of products such as piping, flooring, wallpaper, window frames, siding, office equipment, children’s toys, and catheters. About 50% of all PVC is used for piping applications. The worst plastic from an environmental and human health perspective, PVC introduces myriad hazards throughout its lifecycle. The manufacturing of PVC creates dioxin, the most potent carcinogen known, as well as ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride. These toxins can cause severe health problems including cancer, endocrine disruption, neurological damage, birth defects, and reproductive and immune system damage.
To learn more about the issues with PVC, see www.buildinggreen.com/features/pvc/pvc.cfm.
Contact Endot for additional information on LEEDS credits and Environmental Attributes of HDPE. |
|
