Building products, chemicals polyvinyl chloride

Phthalate esters are extensively used as softeners in the production of polymeric materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Since phthalate esters are not chemically bound to the polymer, they can be easily released into the environment. PVC and other polymers are widely produced for building materials and thus, the surrounding environment can be polluted by phthalates. 

Chlorine gas is used to disinfect drinking water and sewage, and in the production of organic chemicals such as pesticides and vinyl chloride, the building block of plastics called polyvinyl chlorides (PVGs, Section 14.5). Chlorine gas is commonly among the top chemicals produced each year in the United States. Almost all chlorine gas is made by electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride. The other product of sodium chloride electrolysis, sodium hydroxide, is equally valuable because it is the most commonly used base in industrial processes. The reaction in electrolysis of aqueous NaCl is... 

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