I bought from my LCS today some plastic 2x2 flips with the pocket inserts. My only problem is that I cannot tell if this contains PVC or not. The manager of the LCS said he got them from a walk-in customer who sold them to him so he cannot verify if it has PVC or not. These particular flips are very rigid compared to some I have received from in the past from coin dealers. ST
I believe that PVC is used as a softener for plastic. So, if the flips are rigid, I don't think you have to worry. Chris
If they are truly made of Mylar, then there is probably no PVC in the mix. cmp9ball is correct that the problem is the additive which makes plastic soft. If you can bend the flips back & forth three or more time without them cracking, then there is something in the mix that is making them soft. If you detect a smell like a new shower curtain when you open the package, then you probably shouldn't be using them. Personally, I won't use use flips of uncertain origin.
Smell them: if they smell like a shower curtain, they have PVC. Feel them: if they have an oily feel, they have PVC. Bend them: if they are soft and pliable and bend easily, they have PVC. Burn one: if the flame is blue, they have PVC* *disclaimer: only do this in a well ventilated area, use all appropriate safety precautions, don't burn your house down, etc.
Not sure about the blue, but if you heat up a copper wire and touch it to a small bit of the plastic (shave off a sliver from an edge) so that it melts onto then wire, then burn it and you will see green if it is pvc.
