Chloe Zhang
Nendoroids are adorable figurines that are made of a mix of ABS and PVC plastic. While these figures are beloved by many, some consumers have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with the plastic used in their manufacturing. One of the main concerns is the presence of toxic elements and chemicals in the plastic, such as cadmium, a heavy metal used to stabilize the plastic, which can be released through ingestion, dermal contact, or inhalation. There is also the issue of plasticizer, a chemical that can seep out of the plastic over time, causing the figures to become sticky and emitting a strong plastic smell. While the sticky residue can be removed with cleaning solutions like Goo Gone, the potential health implications of exposure to these chemicals are more concerning. Research has indicated that exposure to nano- and microplastics, which can be released from plastics, may lead to serious health conditions, including various cancers. With the increasing contamination of global ecosystems by plastic pollutants, understanding the health consequences of exposure to these substances is crucial.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Nendoroid plastics give you cancer? | There is no clear evidence that Nendoroid plastics cause cancer. However, some studies suggest that exposure to nano- and microplastics might be harmful and lead to various cancers. |
| Cancer-causing potential of plastics | Plastics can contain toxic elements such as Cd (cadmium) and Hg, which can impact human health through ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. Cadmium is used to stabilize the plastic in Nendoroids. |
| Nendoroid plastic stickiness | The stickiness is caused by chemicals in the plastic, specifically an ingredient called a plasticizer, which helps make the PVC soft and flexible. |
| Removing stickiness | Methods to remove stickiness include using rubbing alcohol, soaking in soapy water or diluted detergent, and cleaning with products like Goo Gone. |
| Nendoroid plastic smell | The plastic smell is also attributed to the plasticizer. Soaking the Nendoroid in a solution can help dissolve the plasticizer and reduce the smell. |
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What You'll Learn
Nendoroids are made from a mix of ABS and PVC
Nendoroids are made from a mix of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. PVC is a widely used plastic, found in packaging, home furnishings, children's toys, automobile parts, building materials, hospital supplies, and hundreds of other products.
PVC contains an ingredient called a 'plasticizer', which makes the plastic soft and slightly bendable. Over time, this plasticizer can seep out of the figure, causing it to become sticky. If the figure is left unboxed, the plasticizer will simply evaporate into the air, but if it is sealed, it will settle on the surface.
While Nendoroids are made from PVC, they are not purely PVC, and the mix of ABS and PVC is generally considered safe for consumers. Nendoroids are also phthalate-free and meet Japanese safety standards.
However, some heavy metals like cadmium may be present in the plastic to help stabilize it. To evaporate any cadmium present, you would need a temperature of 767°C. Ingesting the plastic is also not considered a problem.
If you are concerned about the potential health risks of PVC, it is recommended to avoid keeping Nendoroids sealed in their boxes for extended periods. Giving your Nendoroids air to breathe can help prevent stickiness and reduce any potential health risks associated with PVC off-gassing.
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PVC contains phthalates and heavy metals like cadmium
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of thermoplastic polymer that has been in use since 1872. It is commonly used as a raw material in various applications, including construction, electrical insulation, and toy manufacturing. While PVC itself does not pose a direct threat to human health, certain additives and chemicals used to enhance its properties, such as flexibility, can be hazardous.
PVC products often contain additives such as plasticizers and stabilizers, which improve the desired characteristics of the material. Phthalates, for example, are incorporated into plastics as plasticizers to increase flexibility. These additives comprise approximately 70% of the US plasticizer market. However, they are not covalently bound to the polymer matrix, allowing them to leach out over time. This leaching can result in contamination when PVC is recycled or disposed of in landfills, as the additives mix with other plastics and release harmful substances like heavy metals and organic halides.
One of the critical concerns with PVC additives is the presence of heavy metals like cadmium and lead. These metals are used as heat stabilizers to prevent the degradation of PVC at temperatures above 70 °C. However, they can also pose serious health risks. Cadmium exposure, for instance, can negatively affect kidney function. Lead exposure can harm children's nervous systems, hinder cognitive development, and impact women's reproductive health. Additionally, lead is considered potentially carcinogenic.
To address these concerns, regulatory bodies like the European Union and the United States have implemented strict regulations on the use of certain phthalates and heavy metals in products, including toys. BaZn stabilizers have been introduced to replace cadmium-based stabilizers in Europe, and efforts are being made to phase out lead-based heat stabilizers.
In the context of Nendoroid figures, PVC is commonly used as the primary material. The stickiness observed in some Nendoroid figures over time is attributed to the plasticizer additive, which helps make the PVC soft and flexible. While this stickiness can be removed using various cleaning methods, it highlights the potential for these additives to migrate or leach out of the PVC matrix. Therefore, it is essential to follow safety guidelines and regulations regarding the use and disposal of PVC products, especially those containing heavy metals and phthalates, to minimize potential health risks.
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Cadmium is toxic and can be ingested or inhaled
Cadmium is a soft, malleable, bluish white metal found in zinc ores and, to a lesser extent, in the mineral greenockite. It is an important metal for many types of businesses and industrial processes, especially in the manufacturing sector. However, it is highly toxic, and exposure to this metal is known to cause cancer.
Cadmium exposure can occur in various ways, including through air, water, soil, and food. Inhalation is the main way workers are exposed to cadmium, and it is often released into the air during certain industrial processes, such as metal smelting. Additionally, people who smoke cigarettes or breathe in second-hand smoke may also inhale cadmium.
When cadmium is inhaled, it can cause lung damage, shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough, and in severe cases, it may even lead to death. Animal studies have also shown that inhaling cadmium chloride can decrease lung vital capacity and increase alveolar wall thickness. Prolonged inhalation of cadmium as vapor may result in pulmonary inflammation and emphysema.
Ingesting cadmium can also lead to serious health issues. Acute or chronic ingestion of cadmium salts is rare but may lead to death. Prolonged oral ingestion of cadmium can cause Itai-itai disease, which was observed in Japanese people after World War II due to chronic cadmium contamination of rice fields.
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Nano- and microplastics can lead to serious health issues
While I could not find information on whether Nendoroid plastic can cause cancer, I can provide information on the impact of nano- and microplastics on human health.
Nano- and microplastics can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Inhaled airborne microplastics can come from urban dust, synthetic textiles, and rubber tires. Microplastics can be ingested through contaminated food and water. While the skin membrane is too fine for microplastics or nanoplastics to pass through, they can enter the body through wounds, sweat glands, or hair follicles.
Once in the body, these plastics can interact with numerous target cells, including proteins, phospholipids, and carbohydrates. As nanoparticles absorb proteins from the body, they create 'protein coronas' around themselves. This means that nanoparticles that interact with organs or skin cells will be surrounded by a protein coating, which will modify the characteristics of the nanoparticle.
The potential health effects of nano- and microplastics include intestinal injury, liver infection, flora imbalance, lipid accumulation, and metabolic disorder, respiratory disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and various cancers. They can also increase the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase, reduce the quality of germ cells, and affect embryo development.
The toxicity of microplastics has been widely studied, but there are still key scientific issues that need to be further explored, including the precise identification and accurate quantitative analysis of microplastics in organisms.
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Nendoroids can give off a strong plastic smell
Nendoroids are made of PVC plastic, which contains a chemical called "Plastiziser" or "plasticizer". This chemical is what makes PVC soft and slightly bendable. Over time, this chemical can seep out of the figure and settle on its surface, making it sticky. This process is known as off-gassing and can cause the Nendoroid to give off a strong plastic smell. While the stickiness can be removed using various methods, the strong plastic smell is an indication of the off-gassing process and the presence of plastic fumes.
Plastic fumes are released during the manufacturing, processing, heat treatment, and burning of plastics. These fumes contain a variety of byproducts and additives that can be harmful to human health. The most common symptoms of inhaling plastic fumes include irritation to the nose, throat, and skin. More severe health risks associated with plastic fume inhalation include an increased risk of heart disease, respiratory issues such as aggravated asthma, skin irritations, headaches, nervous system damage, and organ damage, including to the liver and kidneys.
Additionally, certain compounds found in plastic fumes, such as styrene, butadiene, formaldehyde, and benzene, are known or probable human carcinogens. Exposure to these compounds has been linked to an increased risk of cancers, including leukemia and nose and throat cancers. Therefore, it is important to minimize exposure to plastic fumes, especially in occupational settings where the risk of exposure is higher.
To reduce the risk of inhaling plastic fumes from Nendoroids, it is recommended to open the packaging and allow the figures to breathe. Regularly washing the Nendoroids and providing proper ventilation in the area can also help reduce the concentration of plastic fumes. It is important to be cautious and follow safety guidelines when working with plastics or handling plastic products to protect oneself from the potential health risks associated with plastic fumes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Nendoroids are made of a mix of ABS and PVC plastic.
Nendoroids may contain heavy metals like cadmium, which is used to stabilize the plastic. However, according to Goodsmile, their products meet Japanese safety standards.
Exposure to nano- and microplastics has been linked to various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and endocrine-related cancers. The toxic elements in plastics can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, potentially leading to serious health issues.
Yes, Nendoroids can become sticky due to the presence of a plasticizer, which helps make the PVC soft and flexible.
You can try airing out your Nendoroid or soaking it in a solution of diluted detergent or soapy water for a few hours. For more stubborn cases, you can use rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone, being careful to avoid the eyes and painted areas.
