Public Health Risks from Imported PVC Resin in India
India is facing a significant public health risk due to poor-quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin imported largely from China. This resin is used in irrigation projects and contains carcinogenic compounds at levels up to five times higher than global safety limits, according to a report by the Centre for Domestic Economy Policy Research (C-DEP).
Key Findings from the Report
- The report was launched at IIT Delhi and highlighted that the imported PVC resin contains high levels of residual vinyl chloride monomer (RVCM), which the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies as a Category 1A carcinogen.
- PVC accounts for nearly 30% of India's economy, being heavily used in sectors like water, sanitation, irrigation, healthcare, construction, and infrastructure.
- India's micro-irrigation projects, primarily under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, rely significantly on PVC pipes, which constitute over 50% of PVC demand.
Government Actions and Recommendations
- The government's proposed Quality Control Order (QCO) on PVC resin, first notified in August 2024, has been deferred three times with enforcement now scheduled for December 2025.
- The Modi government’s initiative, Zero Defect, Zero Effect, aims to strengthen consumer safety and industrial standards while promoting reliable and high-quality exports from India.
Industry and Regulatory Insights
- Anil Sharma from the Swadeshi Jagran Manch emphasized that Quality Control Orders should cover both raw materials and finished goods.
- The C-DEP research indicates that 39 overseas players have obtained the required BIS certification to export to India, with BIS-certified capacity being 3.4 times the current domestic demand for PVC.
International Standards and Current Challenges
- Countries like the United States, European Union, and Thailand regulate RVCM levels in PVC resin within a range of 0.5 to 3 parts per million (ppm).
- India currently lacks a binding national limit on RVCM, allowing imports from China with concentrations between 5 ppm and 10 ppm.
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch aims to achieve a self-reliant India by protecting domestic industries and encouraging indigenous products.