are PVC pipes used for elctrical and water line connections safe for human health?

There is no influence on health from electrical PVC pipe (known as conduit or ducting) because there is no consumable contact from human to power to PVC.

As for water, this is not the case as we consume the water which is in contact with the PVC.

PVC and PE (poly) has been used to replace other types of pipe such as steel and cement - both of which are more harmful and have a shorter lifespan. Clay pipes were also commonly used in the past.

PVC and poly are considered very stable, safe and have a very long life. hence, they do not release their chemicals with any great degree into the water that flows in them. Plastic products do not breakdown so some say that they are not good for the environment because of that. However the greatest environmental damage is in the manufacturing process with hazardous gases released during the making of plastics and eventually into pipes we use.

The impurities of the water itself, either from the source, or added by the water authorities is a thousand fold worse for your health than chemicals leaching from PVC into the water.

There is always a trade off. But a buried pipe is not really an environmental 'problem', and if the pipe is going to last decades longer, then that will mean less water wastage from leaking - so PVC and PE pipes are probably 'better' for the environment (or the lesser of two evils).

Another thing to consider is the environmental impact from actually constructing pipelines. The easier/lighter and longer-lasting pipes (PVC/PE rather than clay/cement or steel) mean that the installation and replacing time/cost is reduced in excavating and laying machinery burning fuel, trucks carrying pipes, etc.

Hope that helps.

Perhaps I'm just a cheerleader for Toddio and Workben0:

Using PVC - or anything else non-conductive - as electrical conduit won't harm you UNLESS THE MATERIAL ITSELF IS HARMFUL. You'll certainly not "catch" anything from the electricity.

Water supply? I'm a fan of copper - and, yeah, I know there is the risk of fire, lead in the solder - and it's expensive ...blah...blah...blah. That being said: I would not hesitate to use any of the socially acceptable, available, and manageable plastic tubing in supply lines.

I believe that the first response to your question addressed the environmental impact of production and disposal of "plastic". I don't have the facts.

If I we were building our dream house it would surely have PVC drainage and CPVC supply.

(What follows is all an editorial comment:)

I would use "CPVC" for supply. I prefer solvent glued joints over the new mechanical connections... 'though I know there can be a bunch of swearing, sawing, measuring, and re-fitting if I've glued wrong (And I have).

Bottom line: Make the wiring safe electrically. You can run it through a hollowed-out piece of balsa wood if you've not nicked the insulation, not over-rated the circuit breaker, used one gauge larger wire than needed... a real good time to be careful!

And: I'm fairly "green" - and I do not fear plastic supply lines!

Richard

PVC pipes for electrical and water line connections has been used extensively in the US and Japan with no report of bad influence on health.PVC will not affect the invironment since it doesn't mix with the soil.

There are two types of PVC pipe one is considered safe for water supplies in the US, the other it not. (Ask your supplier)

They are not biodegradable and their production creates by-products that are considered harmful by most regulatory agencies in the US.

bye for now,