Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbreviated PVC, is a widely used thermoplastic polymer (plastic #3). It can be made softer by adding plasticizers, the most widely-used being phthalates. In this form, it is widely used in clothing and upholstery, accessories, and figurines. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen and it is believed that dioxin is produced as a byproduct of vinyl chloride manufacture and from incineration of waste PVC. Organizations such as Greenpeace advocate for global phase-out of PVC. California is considering a partial ban of PVC.