Dear Citizens of Oregon:

On behalf of Eugene Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 851, I wish to endorse the Oregon Toxics Alliance’s Vinyl Out of Oregon project, which advocates for the use of non-toxic building materials and products. The Eugene Fire Fighters' Union’s mission is to protect the lives and property of the people of Eugene from fires, natural disasters, and hazardous material incidents. We are, therefore, very concerned about the health hazards posed by exposure to combustion byproducts of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic in fires.

During a building fire, PVC-based materials release hydrochloric acid and dioxin. Both of these substances are known to have short and long term adverse effects on firefighters, building occupants, and the environment. When it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, hydrochloric acid can cause skin burns and blindness. When inhaled, hydrochloric causes bronchitis and permanent respiratory damage and in addition to cancer, has been linked to endocrine disruption, compromised immunity, diabetes, and reproductive disorders.

The Eugene Fire Fighters Association Strongly supports safer alternatives to PVC building materials. We applaud the Oregon Toxics Alliance efforts to educate the public about the hazards of PVC and help to protect our community from hazardous materials.

Sincerely,

Gary Nuata