Can we use Polyvinyl Alcohol without any risks?

PVA is generally safe for use, with low toxicity and biocompatibility. In pharmaceuticals, it’s approved as an excipient in oral tablets and eye drops (USP/NF standards). Food-contact PVA films comply with FDA 21 CFR 173.230, forming gas barriers for packaging without migrating harmful substances. Industrial PVA powders may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled, requiring dust masks during handling. PVA is biodegradable under aerobic conditions, with microbial degradation rates increasing in activated sludge systems. It’s non-flammable and has a low oral LD50 (>2000 mg/kg in rats), classifying it as non-toxic. However, prolonged skin contact with concentrated solutions may cause dryness, so gloves are recommended. Overall, PVA’s safety profile makes it suitable for medical, food, and industrial applications.