Horizontal Louver Blinds (PVC) Slats
This information reflects our best understanding of product composition in 2016.
Horizontal window blind slats based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins typically contain additives (usually titanium dioxide) that protect against ultraviolet (UV) degradation, along with lubricants, heat stabilizers, filler, and processing aids....
Horizontal window blind slats based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins typically contain additives (usually titanium dioxide) that protect against ultraviolet (UV) degradation, along with lubricants, heat stabilizers, filler, and processing aids. They may contain one or multiple layers of PVC compounds, but in any case, are very thin and light. This Common Product profile describes a common formulation of horizontal window blind slats, as described in industry patents and other literature. The slats are assumed to be flat, and foamed, and that, during slat manufacturing, all of the foaming agent (typically azodicarbonamide (CAS No. 123-77-3)) decomposes to nitrous oxide, a highly volatile substance that does not remain as a residual in the product. This profile assumes the use of organotins rather than lead-based stabilizers. The US Consumer Products Safety Commission in 1997 urged the vinyl blinds industry to reduce lead content below 0.02% by weight or lower. Most miniblinds sold in the US market are now labeled "lead-free." However, the use of lead stabilizers in vinyl blinds is not prohibited. Lead-based stabilizers continue to be used in rigid PVC resin manufacturing, particularly in Asia. Some blinds containing lead stabilizer may still be imported. Some products also may contain recycled content, such as coal power plant ash, that may introduce additional hazards into the product.