Question from ksutherland
I am trying to decide if it is healthier and/or worth the expense to change the flexible plastic (PVC?) hose connectors that connect the piped water supply to the faucets for each sink for the flexible stainless steel ones. It appears as if the “rubber” lining of these stainless connectors is EPDM rubber. Is that really a superior choice in terms of health? Thank you for your analysis/advice.
Debra’s Answer
First of all, the flexible hose could be PVC, polyurethane, or polyethylene, each of which has a different degree of toxicity. So I can’t evaluate this without knowing which plastic it is.
EPDM rubber is ethylene propylene diene Monomer (M-class) rubber. Ethylene and propylene are both low toxicity plastics. However, I looked at the MSDS for EPDM rubber and it lists some other ingredients. It warns that there could be a cancer hazard if the rubber is heated.
So I’m not sure there’s much difference if both are in contact with hot water. But, hot water rushing through is unlikely to release emissions.
