Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a non-toxic, biodegradable water-soluble polymer with excellent film-forming, adhesive, emulsifying and barrier properties, widely used in textile industry, paper industry, food packaging, pharmaceutical industry, construction materials and fine chemical fields. In the textile industry, it is used as a sizing agent, warp sizing and textile finishing agent, which can improve the strength and wear resistance of yarns and enhance the fabric’s smoothness. In the paper industry, it serves as a surface sizing agent, coating and adhesive, improving the paper’s water resistance, strength and printability. In food packaging, it is used to prepare edible films and coatings, which have good barrier properties against oxygen and moisture, extending the shelf life of food. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a binder, film-forming agent and sustained-release carrier in tablet and capsule preparations, and also as a raw material for medical dressings and hydrogels. Additionally, it is used in the production of adhesives, emulsifiers, water treatment agents, and as a raw material for the synthesis of polyvinyl acetal and other polymers. Its non-toxicity and biodegradability make it an environmentally friendly polymer material with broad application prospects in various fields.

Poly(vinyl alcohol) is a non-toxic, non-irritating polymer material with high safety, but standard protective measures are still required during handling and storage to avoid potential risks. Inhalation of fine powder may cause slight respiratory irritation, such as sore throat, dry cough and mild chest discomfort, especially in poorly ventilated working environments. Direct skin contact generally does not cause obvious irritation, but prolonged contact with wet PVA or its aqueous solution may lead to skin dryness and slight itching in sensitive individuals. Eye contact with PVA powder or aqueous solution may cause temporary discomfort, such as foreign body sensation and mild congestion, which can be relieved by flushing with plenty of clean water. Accidental ingestion of a small amount is generally non-toxic, but excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal distension and diarrhea. All operations should be carried out in a well-ventilated environment; operators can wear dust masks and gloves as needed to avoid inhalation of powder and prolonged skin contact. It should be stored in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place, away from heat sources and oxidants, to prevent moisture absorption and decomposition. Waste PVA and contaminated packaging can be disposed of as general solid waste in accordance with local regulations, but it should be avoided to be discharged into water bodies in large quantities to prevent temporary water turbidity.