PVC may leach toxins like cadmium or lead, which can be very harmful if consumed by fish. These come from the plasticizers that are added during PVC fabrication in order to make it softer, more flexible, and durable.
As PVC degrades, it quickly begins to leach harmful chemicals or VOCs, volatile organic compounds. In the past, these toxins have been shown to cause irritation in the ear, nose, and throat, as well as other health concerns in humans.
