Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, PVA, or PVAl) is a synthetic polymer which is both colourless, odourless and water-soluble. It was initially discovered in the early 1920's and since has been used in numerous applications from the lamination of safety glass to the packaging of laundry detergents.
PVA is used in sizing agents that give greater strength to textile yarns and make paper more resistant to oils and greases. It is also employed as a component of adhesives and emulsifiers, as a water-soluble protective film, and as a starting material for the preparation of other resins.
Is it safe for humans? Sub-chronic toxicity and genotoxicity studies confirm that PVA is safe for humans when exposed via numerous exposure pathways in typical daily exposure (1,2). However, the ingredients inside the PVA encasement are often not as safe.
