KomaCEL

[hungba]

I see in the forums a lot of people are using PVCX to build racks. A lot use the brand name KomaTEX.

The local supplier I have has Komatex only in very thin sheets which is not sufficient hardness for me as I plan on making two adult tubs per row. They have something else called KomaCEL which is made by the same company that makes Komatex, but it is harder and meant for outdoor use. They have it only in white and in 13mm thickness. They also told me that the new versions of KomaTEX now have additives to make them softer because people using it for signage were complaining that they were too stiff. From my knowledge, plasticized PVC contains phthalates and is not good for health of snake nor human. I also notice that the new brochure for the Komatex new no longer references it as being PVC-U (U stands for unplasticized). So for me, it is either the 13mm KomaCEL or melamine for my new rack.

I have asked around many forums no one has heard of KomaCEL. I have seen it referenced here in old posts, so someone is using it here. I would like to ask, specific to KOMACEL (not general PVC), is it safe to use for herps? And assuming it is heated to herp related temperatures?

Also, I have in my melamine racks tested using aluminium tape below the heat tape to "reflect heat" upwards. It seems to have the opposite effect as the t-stat has to be set higher to get the same temperatures WITH the foil tape under the heat tape. So does foil tape actually sink the heat to make the PVC surface hotter?

To my understanding, PVC will start to emit HCL which is harmful fumes at 70 degrees Celsius (Is this correct?). This is under the temp used for ball pythons IN THE TUB. However, I do not know how hot the surface of the PVC will get under the heat tape. I also do not know about other things like dioxins etc. The KomaCEL documentation says that it does not contain heavy metals like lead or cadmium.

Can anyone chime in on this? Specific to the brand KomaCEL, or any other aspects of PVC safety with regards to the snakes? I am talking long term here like maybe issues after many years, as well as short term problems.
I know people use PVC and are fine, but there are many kinds of them, some cheap ones contain lead etc. which obviously is not good. So I think it is a fair question to ask specifically about KomaCEL.

Also, if it works I may want to build enclosures for my skinks with it too. Obviously, using light bulbs would create a lot of heat where the bulb is, so perhaps this will go beyond safe temperatures?

Oh yes, and can KomaCEL be painted easily? I know they print on it when used for signage but I am talking about painting it myself with paints that are safe for herps and the paint actually sticking to the smooth surface.