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The researchers from the Institute of Polymer Science and Technology in Madrid said their achievement could lead to a new generation of polyvinyl chloride plastics that are safer than those now used in packaging, medical tubing, toys and other products.

Led by Helmut Reinecke, the research scientists said manufacturers add large amounts of plasticizers to PVC to make it flexible and durable. But those plasticizers migrate to the surface of the plastic over time and escape into the environment. As a result, PVC plastics become less flexible and durable and people who come into contact with the plastics face possible health risks.

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission last year banned use of several plasticizers used to manufacture toys and child care articles.

The scientists describe their achievement in the journal Macromolecules.

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