• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Why You Shouldn’t Eat Your Seats

March 17, 2011 By Nadeem Muaddi

International blogs are going crazy over a story recently published by Ghana Web titled “Poison You Drink & Wear” – which basically says that polyvinyl chloride, the third most widely produced plastic (found in everything from floor tiles to vinyl seat covers) poses a danger to those exposed.

Ghana Web writes:

International studies carried out by reputable scientists has confirm that Polyvinyl chloride can cause cancer, birth defects, genetic changes, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, skin diseases, deafness, vision failure, indigestion, and liver dysfunction.

In fact, it’s true. Polyvinyl chloride is dangerous, but only if consumed – a fact that Ghana Web only quickly breezes over (probably because it take away from the article’s fear mongering.)

Health officials in the U.S., for example, warn folks to not overuse water bottles – as the plastics used to form them can leak into liquid and pose health risks if repeatedly ingested. However, many of the examples listed in the article (like shower curtains, garden hoses and auto upholstery) are seldom eaten or even used to cover food.

So will vinyl seat covers kill you? Not unless you eat or smoke them.

Still, this article makes a terrific sales pitch for auto trimmers looking to sell leather upgrades to weary customers. Think about it: Yeah these vinyl seat covers are nice, but they’ll give you chronic bronchitis… better splurge for the leather instead.

— — —

The Hog Ring is the #1 online community for auto upholstery professionals and enthusiasts. Here you can browse pictures, read news and connect with others who share your passion for auto upholstery.

Filed Under: Archive, Safety Issues Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Keyston Bros
  • Hyde Leather
  • Albright's Supply
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - Watch Alchemy Kustom Upholster a Bench Seat

Watch Alchemy Kustom Upholster a Seat

In his last video, Rick Valdez of Alchemy … [more] about Watch Alchemy Kustom Upholster a Seat

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Rat Rot Interior Lead

10 Best (Worst) Rat Rod Interiors

In a previous article, we featured … [more] about 10 Best (Worst) Rat Rod Interiors

Repair Dashboards with Vacuum Forming

Most auto upholstery shops repair vehicle … [more] about Repair Dashboards with Vacuum Forming

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Faurecia flat-seam stitch

Faurecia Introduces Flat-Seam Stitching

Faurecia, one of the largest automotive … [more] about Faurecia Introduces Flat-Seam Stitching

The Hog Ring - This Car is Upholstered in Persian Rugs

This Car is Upholstered in Persian Rugs

How would an old school Mercedes-Benz look … [more] about This Car is Upholstered in Persian Rugs

The Hog Ring - Restored Impala Brings Trim Shop Full Circle

Restored Impala Brings Trim Shop Full Circle

Every auto upholstery shop has a project car. … [more] about Restored Impala Brings Trim Shop Full Circle

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Nexus Fastening Co. Introduces Solid Gold Hog Rings for Luxury Cars
  • Everything We Covered in March 2026
  • WyoTech Taps Dominic Olson for Upholstery Program, Installs New NC Machines
  • MasterTech Expo 2026 Draws Global Crowd and Raises the Bar Again
  • Free SEMA Webinar: How to Start Your Own Auto Shop

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in