Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ALAT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The type of plastic that is not typically used in manufacturing small animal caging systems is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While PVC is used in a variety of applications due to its durability and resistance to corrosion, it is less favored in the context of small animal housing. This is largely due to concerns regarding its potential to leach harmful chemicals and the difficulty in cleaning and maintaining it to prevent contamination or injury to the animals.

In contrast, polystyrene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate are commonly used materials for small animal enclosures because they are non-toxic, easy to clean, and provide a strong and stable environment for the animals. Polystyrene is often used for lightweight and less costly options, polypropylene provides excellent chemical resistance and durability, while polycarbonate is known for its high impact resistance and clarity, making it suitable for applications where visibility is important.