Annotation+6

Ariel Siegel, Annotation 6 October 15th, 2011 Blue Vinyl WC: 1009

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > “PVC: Poison Plastic.” Center for Health, Environment, and Justice. 2011. <<[]>>
 * 1) Blue Vinyl, Daniel B. Gold and Judith Helfand, 2002
 * 1) The main argument of the story is focused around Judith's quest for sustainability and environmentally safe methods to clad her parents' house in Long Island. It investigates the terrible health effects of polyvinyl chloride (production, use, disposal, as well as the effect on whole communities- ie: Venice, Italy). The juxtaposition of the “green” manufacturer to an American “hot spot” for the production of this polymer. An international case is presented where 31 executives from a PVC-producing company awaiting trial for manslaughter in a landmark conspiracy case.
 * 1) The narrative is sustained by the evidence that Helfand and Gold discover. In fact they traveled to the vinyl-manufacturing capital in Louisiana, enlisted the guidance of a “green” builder in California, and an international focus on vinyl in Venice, Italy. This film focuses on this pursuit of information that argues sustainability and environmental awareness with respect to industry and consumers.
 * 1) The sustainability problems that this film demonstrates includes Chemical, ecological, public health and behavior. In particular, I can actually relate my chemistry knowledge for polymer synthesis and characterization is the field of research that I am involved in. So I found this topic particularly interesting, from my experience with polymerization reactions. The effects of this polymer can be seen in the environment and the overall ecology. The use of plastic encourages our consumption as well as many other uses including ensuring one's home. This is extremely prevalent in suburbia where plastics are finding its way into everyday life.
 * 1) The parts of the film that were most compelling included the international case of PVC and the responsibility of the executives to take responsibility. This also introduces another aspect, at least within the realm of the Venice evidence that decided whether a corporation (in particular the executives) are responsible for the consequences of their product. Product design and manufacturing is a major aspect of any society, yet PVC is an example of reckless science. The use of the “green” manufacturer was quite interesting. The designation of top examples and individuals is a key in developing a clear understanding. The presentation of evidence is concise and easy to understand which applies to the audience.
 * 1) The film addressed all aspects of the issue, and provided the viewer with information about a hazard that needs to be acknowledged in order to diminish its use. The film provided an personal aspect, which may not have been too compelling but endorses “smart buyer” behavior of investigating the effects of material objects which we surround ourselves with. This irony needs to be conquered in order to enhance sustainability. The example of the mother and the inability to accept a “green” material to protect their house, until Helfand brought the manufacturer to her mother and decided on using items recycled from a barn and a roof. This example and inability to accept one solution, allowed for the use of recycling to go on a larger scale.
 * 1) The film best addresses consumers and in particular suburban households where materialism, consumption, and plastic is all the rage. Plastics have found their way into our daily lives. Now what is it? Many may know that it is a polymer, but not what it is. It is stable due to its massive structure and can resist changes in shape or chemical composition. Plastics are trying to shift into biodegradable forms but research in green chemistry is complicated and limited. Even in this class, chemistry was only an aspect with toxins. Chemistry surrounds us, and it should be acknowledged and understood, at least with respect to individual use. That is why this film is so comprehensible for it doesn't include green chemistry or its technicality but solutions that homeowners have and should make not only for their family, but the neighborhood, and the environment.
 * 1) In order to enhance the environmental educational value of the film, some more aspects of the science could be included. This is my personal perspective as a chemist who works with these 5 days a week, however the film does address the hazards. More examples of individual cases could have been reported. Also some portions of the film were excluded so the argument was not at its strongest with respect to the holes in the film.
 * 1) Suggestions for actions or points of intervention include: other materials such as stucco or the manufacturer's expertise of stray bale and its use for households. Investigation is the key theme here, where a consumer takes control in an industry over-run in scandals and settlements (which the Italian court case ended with this result). The documentary had strong intentions but was unable to provide the full argument due to legal reasons. However our consumption and materialism can be limited and restricted to environmentally friendly alternatives, this is not likely but it is the consumer's choice. Therefore an education of consumers is evident through this film.
 * 1) Due to the importance of this issue, after doing more research two references shed light on the issue in a way in which the film did not. The first interesting reference I discovered in my search for more information includes the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice which provides information about PVC and campaigns/initiatives done in order to ensure safety. This includes some child-friendly representation of the evidence as well as an awesome computer game to play, YIPPIE!!!

The second reference resulted in each scientific step involved with manufacturing polymers including: uncured resins, solvents, dispensing, molding, and curing. The solvents and other chemicals involved in the synthesis of a polymer (on a large scale) is quite different than in the laboratory. However that is due to the safety precautions. As long these precautions are taken to the workplace, the production aspect of any polymer can be “safe.” But safe is in the eye of the beholder. Tarr, M. “Polymer Health and Safety Issues.” <<[]>>