I'm still a hydroponic newbie, but I've been reading about vinyls and PVC advisories for a few years. I'm quite relieved to see someone actually talking about this. Vinyl and PVC (specfically) are used rampantly in nearly any forum I visit. Need to make something? Make it with PVC!! (that's the default approach from countless posters I read nearly anywhere).

Each person has to make their own judgment call, and there is *lot* of literature quickly available put out by vinyl manufacturers. But here are a couple resources about vinyls/PVCs, and dioxins/phtalins specifically. It's anyone's call about what to do, but I replaced anything made of vinyl in my own systems, even if the resulting plastics are not "food grade." It makes about as much sense as assuming that PVC is the best solution for anything, which is a common attitude very easily exhibited. Thanks for the topic.

Blue Vinyl (award winning documentary)

Turner Toy's article about PVC in toys and other plastics

Great links. Thanks, onewebfoot, for your info. I like systems with food safety features. I have vinyl in one of my systems, & your post will influence me to look for another material in that system.

Sometimes the effects of these chemicals are not known for some time. Dioxin was the primary toxic component of Agent Orange. If there were was more concrete information substantiating its variable carcinogenic effects &/or link to other various diseases, there would be fewer US Vietnam veterans & Vietnamese with unresolved claims. Many of these people suffer tremendously years after exposure & are denied health treatment or retribution for their illnesses. One writing for a federally funded institution might be less inclined to substantiate the effects of Dioxin because of the massive financial implications involved.

Having said this, dioxins are usually higher in meats & dairy products. If they were used in agriculture in your country, & there was a problem, a hydro system in & of itself might reduce the content.

Great links. Thanks, onewebfoot, for your info. I like systems with food safety features. I have vinyl in one of my systems, & your post will influence me to look for another material in that system.

Sometimes the effects of these chemicals are not known for some time. Dioxin was the primary toxic component of Agent Orange. If there were was more concrete information substantiating its variable carcinogenic effects &/or link to other various diseases, there would be fewer US Vietnam veterans & Vietnamese with unresolved claims. Many of these people suffer tremendously years after exposure & are denied health treatment or retribution for their illnesses. One writing for a federally funded institution might be less inclined to substantiate the effects of Dioxin because of the massive financial implications involved.

Having said this, dioxins are usually higher in meats & dairy products. If they were used in agriculture in your country, & there was a problem, a hydro system in & of itself might reduce the content.

I hope the links were helpful, but they may not even be the best or the most informative, and of course I will hear out anyone with alternate views. But those specific resources were the primary influences on me and I saw Blue Vinyl on HBO when it first came out (2002). Thanks for your comments and points well taken.

HDPE (high density polyethylene) and LDPE (low density PE) comprise the bulk of the new plastics in my own systems (FWIW), or I got these plastics initially instead of vinyls/PVCs. Often these specific plastics are food grade, but if you want black, for example, the FDA will render them as not food grade even though the opaque versions are. HDPE or LDPE plastic tubing does have some minor bend if you want it, and they support plug-in drip fittings for drip lines or goof plugs very well (i can say this from experience).

Looking at the inventory of typical online drip irrigation and hydroponic shops, the majority only offer vinyl versions of 1/2" or 1/4" tubing (for example), though a few shops now offer alternatives. HDPE and LDPE are much more rigid than soft blue vinyl tubing (no relation to documentary), but if dipped in hot water for a minute, HDPE or LDPE slides right onto typical 1/2 fittings (elbows, tees, etc.). Fitting and many easy-to-find buckets are most often available in nylon or HDPE polyethylene (more common for buckets). The single most comprehensive source for food-grade or near food-grade plastics and fitttings that I have ever found is US Plastic, and their customer service is truly superb.

Have a great weekend!! Too much time at the desk/computer this week (by far). I will be ready to show a few outdoor dust-proofing findings (not related) in maybe a month, but I have to prove that they work first with happy vegetables in demonstrable size. LOL.

i have also ordered many times from usplastics.com and yes, the service is top notch!