Vinyl Chloride is a chemical monomer that is the main component in polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC.  PVC is a plastic resin used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products.  This includes everything from beverage containers to aerosol propellants to vinyl siding for homes. 

Epidemiological and clinical vinyl chloride exposure studies show that vinyl chloride causes liver, brain and lung cancer, as well as lymphatic and hematopoietic malignancies (e.g, lymphoma and leukemia).  Other epidemiological show an increase in cases of liver angiosarcomas, an exceedingly rare and deadly form of cancer.  For example, an epidemiological study from 1974 investigated a cluster of cases of angiosarcoma among workers from the polyvinyl chloride polymerization section of the B.F. Goodrich in Louisville, Kentucky.  The study found that between 1968 and 1973, there were four diagnosed cases of liver angiosarcomas.  In contrast, it is estimated that only 25 cases of angiosarcoma of the liver occur in the United States each year.   

Historically, the group with the highest prevalence of these types of injuries is workers in vinyl chloride production plants.  Available evidence shows an increased risk of cancer in occupationally exposed workers.  Although these workers were exposed to high doses, there is no evidence that a lower level of exposure would not increase the cancer risk.  In fact, company memos as early as 1959 indicate that the industry new of the dangers of the chemical, even at low exposure levels.  See http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/special/vinyl/warnings.html.  

Vinyl chloride is very much a local problem, with Illinois being one of only eleven states that are home to vinyl chloride and PVC plants.  Henry and Illiopolis, Illinois, are home to the Geon and Borden Corporations, respectively. 

If you or a loved one has been exposed to vinyl chloride, or has been diagnosed with a liver angiosarcoma, please contact our office immediately to discuss you legal rights.