Vinyl chloride: How many unknown problems?

The chemistry, biotransformation, toxicology, and carcinogenlctty of vinyl chloride have been reviewed. There is little doubt that this chemical produces angiosarcoma in both animals and man. However, the conditions for cancer Induction in man cannot at this point in time be related to ambient exposure levels. An increase in reported cases of vinyl chloride‐induced cases of liver malfunction, angiosarcoma, Raynaud's syndrome, scleroderma, and acroosteolysis should be expected in the near future due to past exposures. The exposure of the general population to vinyl chloride‐propelled aerosols and household products may be a contributor to these disease states. Occupational exposures will probably decrease as VC/PVC plants meet the new exposure standard of 1 ppm. However, epldemiological surveys should be continued to ascertain the latent period and the degree of exposure involved in angiosarcoma development. Animal experiments should be initiated to determine the relationship of short exposures at high concentrations or long exposures at low concentrations to the development of liver malfunction and pathology. A pharmacokinetic evaluation of both animals and exposed workers should indicate the biotransformation products in the blood. Great emphasis should be placed on development of better, more rapid diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Health protection should involve government, industry, and labor in efforts to protect the worker from noxious chemicals.