ABS/PVC are they safe?

[JimE]

Coming out of lurk to add to this (doesnt happen too often as I usually don't have anything intelligent to add )

IMO, from what I've picked up through the years, the comments about CPVC could come across a bit misleading. "Chlorine" is not added to regular pvc to create a "biostatic" form of plastic. The addition changes the molecular structure, making cpvc which has a unique set of properties. The most significant being a much higher working temperature which makes it suitable for hot & cold potable water systems.

As far as "releasing" something to prevent biofouling, I have not come across that before. This is the only info I could come up with quickly and it doesnt show a significant difference between pvc and cpvc.



The major heath concern is with residual vinyl chloride monomer, a by product of the manufacturing process. This is a downfall of both pvc and cpvc though so I don't think its a valid objection for use.

There is both potable & non-potable abs around, the difference might just be certification but who knows. I haven't heard of it being "treated" for fouling though - I agree its probably urban myth. Just my .02

Jim

[Just2Bad]

From a post on RC....

PIPE SYSTEMS KEEP FISH IN THE SWIM.
Marine scientists at The Centre for Environmental, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (CEFAS) laboratory in Lowestoft are beating the problem of saltwater corrosion by equipping research facilities with a range of industrial pipes, fittings and valves manufactured by Glynwed Pipe Systems Ltd.

The chosen systems are Durapipe ABS, Air-Line Xtra and Vulcathene, all of which offer the advantage of rapid installation due to their lightweight handling characteristics and simple jointing methods.
ive emailed several abs manufactures ,and ill post their responses

just got a reply from a abs manufacturer:

Please find the attached with regards to the ABS request you had. For your
information we have never heard of any leaching from ABS system.

<>

Kevin Webb
Ph: 905-403-0264
Fx: 905-403-9195
kevweb@ipexinc.com
IPEX Inc. ~ Clarkson

i checked with ips (the makers o weld- on products),and ALL of there ABS cements are suitable for potable water .however,some of their cements,in particular some of those used for flexible pvc,are NOT safe for potable water.be carful what you pick
weld on 795 ,both blu and clear are not safe
weld on 747 is safe

here is more stuff:

ABS (acrylonitrile butadíene styrene) is an extremeiy robust thermoplastic pipework system used by many industries in systems for food and beverage production, sewerage and water treatment etc. ABS is extremely resistant to impact with good resistance to chemicals, is non-toxic, conforming to the toxicological requirements of the British Piastic Federation, British Industriai Biological Research Association Code of Practice for Food Usage 45/5, and EEC requirements for piastic materials in contact with foodstuffs. These systems are light, strong and simple to fit using a solvent cement.

and this 'chemical resistance guide for water potable materials notice that abs is rated the same as pvc cpvc...A

Thermoplastics PVC A
CPVC A
Polypropylene (PP) A
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) A
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene Cross-Linked (XLPE)
Teflon A
ABS A
Gaskets SBR A
Viton A
EPDM A
Neoprene A
Buna N (Nitrile) A
Hypalon
Alloys 316 Stainless Steel A
304 Stainless Steel A
Titanium
Hastelloy C

[EmilyB]

I'll stick to not ever using ABS.

I knew a plumber... 8)