Anything wrong with PVC dry-bags?

[thecampingman]

The local sports gear shop is clearing out some dry-bags. The tag inside state " 90% PVC". The SealLine bags right beside them state "No PVC" like it's an important selling point. But they never say why their bag's better.
If it's just that PVC cracks when it gets cold I'm OK with that. Because I'm not kayaking in cold weather.
Can anyone tell me why PVC is supposed to be a negative?

[kayakmag]

Actually the primary reason manufacturers are advertising PVC free is the environment.

PVC is fairly toxic to produce, and contributes to the reduction of the ozone layer. The process of burning PVC releases toxic fumes into the atmosphere, both globally and locally. This doesn't mean it's all bad as a material, as we need to make decisions about how we use resources.

One PVC bag that you take care of and use for twenty years is better than throwing away five coated nylon bags that lose their coating and hence their waterproof nature.

The second reason is the temperature sensitivity. PVC cloth becomes very stiff in cold temperatures, and becomes difficult if not impossible to roll closed so that it retains a waterproof seal. This is where coated fabrics shine.

Hope this helps!

[thecampingman]

Michael; Thanks, that's exactly what I needed to know.

[Dion]

Good info thanks

the kayak life (http://www.thekayaklife.com)