Sofia Martinez
There are growing concerns about the potential leaching of chemicals from PET plastics into food and drinks, including eliquids. Leaching refers to the transfer of chemicals from packaging into its contents, and it can occur when PET plastics are exposed to heat, light, or stored for extended periods. Several studies have detected the presence of toxic chemicals, such as antimony and phthalates, in bottled water, suggesting that these chemicals may also leach into other liquids. While the health risks associated with ingesting low levels of these chemicals are uncertain, chronic exposure to high concentrations can lead to serious health issues. As a result, there is a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with using PET plastics for food and beverage packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxic chemicals that leach into eliquid | Antimony trioxide, phthalates, DBP, PAEs, and estrogen-active compounds |
| Factors that increase leaching | High heat, UV exposure, long storage time, acidic food |
| Health effects of leached chemicals | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cancer, heart, liver and kidney problems, endocrine disruption, hormone system problems |
| Regulating bodies and their maximum contaminant levels | US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Ontario Ministry of Environment, Health Canada (6 ppb), German Federal Ministry of Environment (5 ppb), European Union (5 ppb), Japan (2 ppb), World Health Organization (20 ppb) |
| Recommended storage conditions | 24 °C, away from sunlight, for a short period |
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What You'll Learn
PET plastic leaches estrogen-like chemicals into water
PET plastic is intended for single use only. If reused, toxic chemicals may leach into food or drinks, with this risk increasing when the container is heated or contains acidic food. One of these toxic chemicals is antimony trioxide, which can cause health effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if exposure exceeds the MCL for relatively short periods. Antimony leaching increases with higher temperatures, and prolonged storage time.
Phthalates can also leach from PET plastic. One study showed phthalates leaching from commercial PET bottled water, even when kept at room temperature and for short storage times. High heat, UV exposure, and long storage time increased phthalate leaching. Phthalates can cause many health effects, as water stored in PET bottles has been shown to have estrogenic activity. This means that chemicals leach out that act like estrogen in the body, causing problems with the normal workings of the hormone system.
Another study found that 95% of plastic products tested positive for chemicals with estrogenic activity, including products marketed as BPA-free. This includes baby bottles, water bottles, food wraps, and sippy cups. However, it is important to note that the health risks of consuming these chemicals are still unknown, and most studies of health effects have been done on mice and rats.
To avoid the potential risks of consuming toxic chemicals from PET plastic, consumers can opt for glass or EA-free PC-replacement products, which are manufactured using resins and additives to prevent the release of chemicals with estrogenic activity.
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Antimony leaches from PET plastic at high temperatures
Antimony is a regulated contaminant that can cause acute and chronic health effects in drinking water. It is a heavy metal used in the production of PET plastic, and it stays in the plastic after production. Antimony can leach out of PET plastic and into the liquid inside the bottle, especially in extreme heat. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the limit of antimony contamination in drinking water to 6 micrograms per liter.
Several studies have found that toxic antimony leaches at an increased rate from plastic water bottles in warm to hot conditions. For example, a study in Kuwait found that storing plastic water bottles in a car trunk at temperatures higher than 40°C increased the release of antimony from these bottles. The amount of antimony released was directly related to the temperature. Another study found that heating samples to 50°C increased the antimony concentrations to 8.530 ppb in 24 hours, which is well above the USEPA MCL.
The rate of antimony release can be fit by a power function model, with higher temperatures resulting in faster release. For example, at 60°C, it would take 176 days for the antimony concentration to exceed the MCL of 6 ppb, while at 85°C, it would only take 1.3 days. Summertime temperatures inside cars, garages, and enclosed storage areas can easily exceed 65°C and promote antimony leaching from PET bottled waters.
The use of alternative types of plastics that do not leach antimony should be considered, especially for climates where exposure to extreme conditions can promote antimony release from PET plastics.
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Phthalates leach from PET plastic at high temperatures
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the material most commonly used to make clear plastic bottles for water, soda beverages, sports drinks, and condiments. PET is also used for the packaging of cosmetic products, such as shampoo.
PET is intended for single use only. After repeated use, some toxic chemicals in the plastic may ‘leach’ into food and drinks. Leaching is the transfer of chemicals from packaging into food or drinks. These chemicals can be harmful to your health. Leaching increases when the container is heated or contains acidic food.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers in plastics. They are added to PET plastic to add flexibility, transparency, durability, or longevity. Phthalates can leach from PET plastic, especially at high temperatures, UV exposure, and long storage times. A recent study showed phthalates leaching from commercial PET bottled water. These chemicals were even found in PET bottles kept at room temperature and for short storage times.
Several studies have shown that water stored in PET bottles has estrogenic activity, meaning that chemicals leach out that act like estrogen in the body, causing problems with the normal workings of the hormone system. High heat can increase leaching, so it is important to avoid storing PET bottles at high temperatures and to reduce storage times.
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PET plastic is intended for single use only
PET plastic, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a popular material for food and beverage packaging worldwide due to its lightweight, durable, and flexible nature. However, there has been growing concern about its potential health risks, particularly regarding its intended use. While some sources emphasize that PET plastic is intended for single-use only, others strongly disagree, citing its recyclability and sustainability advantages.
The concern regarding the single-use nature of PET plastic stems from the possibility of toxic chemical leaching into food and drinks after repeated use. Leaching refers to the transfer of chemicals from packaging into its contents. Antimony trioxide, a heavy metal used in the production of PET, can remain in the plastic even after manufacturing. While minimal leaching occurs at room temperature, elevated temperatures can cause dangerous levels of antimony to leach into the contents. Studies have found that temperatures above 60°C can lead to rapid antimony release, and certain environments, such as the inside of a car, can easily reach these temperatures.
Additionally, phthalates, which are sometimes added to PET plastic for flexibility and durability, have also been found to leach into the contents. This leaching is exacerbated by high heat, UV exposure, and prolonged storage. The presence of these chemicals in bottled water has been linked to potential health risks, including endocrine disruption and adverse effects on the hormone system.
To address these concerns, it is recommended to avoid plastic food and beverage packaging, opting for glass or more sustainable alternatives. While PET plastic is recyclable, reducing its repeated use can minimize the potential health risks associated with toxic chemical leaching.
However, it is important to note that PET plastic is not universally agreed to be a single-use material. Advocates for its reusability highlight that it is the most recycled plastic packaging in Europe, capable of being fully recycled in a closed-loop system. The industry is also working to improve the design of PET bottles, reducing their weight by 40% since 2000, which minimizes material usage and lowers carbon emissions during transportation. With its high recyclability, lightweight nature, and ability to close the recycling loop, PET plastic is considered a key contributor to achieving sustainability goals in packaging.
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PET plastic is commonly used for bottled water
PET plastic is a commonly used material for bottling water. It is used for single-serve bottled water containers and is approved as safe for food and beverage contact by the FDA and similar regulatory agencies worldwide. PET plastic is also used for packaging a variety of other foods, including peanut butter, soft drinks, juices, beer, wine, and spirits. It is lightweight, convenient, and flexible, allowing manufacturers to switch between different shapes and sizes easily.
However, there are concerns about the potential leaching of chemicals from PET plastic into bottled water. Studies have shown that chemicals like phthalate esters (PAEs) and antimony can leach into the water, especially under certain conditions. For example, high temperatures, prolonged storage times, and UV exposure can increase the leaching of these chemicals. While the rate of leaching is generally low, it can pose health risks, such as endocrine disruption and nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when exposure exceeds safe levels.
To address these concerns, it is recommended to follow proper storage guidelines for bottled water, such as storing it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and consuming it within a short period. Additionally, reusing single-use PET bottles should be avoided, as they are designed for single use only, and bacteria can grow in them if not cleaned properly.
Despite the concerns about chemical leaching, PET plastic bottles have some environmental advantages. The industry is working to reduce their carbon impact and increase recycling rates. PET plastic bottles are now 30% lighter than they were 15 years ago, and an increasing number of recycled plastic bottles are being used in manufacturing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, PET plastic is known to leach toxic chemicals, including heavy metals like antimony, into liquids.
Leaching is the transfer of chemicals from packaging into food or drinks.
The leaching of chemicals from PET plastic can have negative health effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chronic exposure to some of these chemicals has also been linked to more serious health issues like cancer and problems with the heart, liver, and kidneys.
The leaching of chemicals from PET plastic is influenced by various factors, including temperature, exposure to sunlight, storage time, and the type of liquid stored. Higher temperatures and prolonged storage times generally increase the rate and amount of chemical leaching.
To avoid the potential health risks associated with PET plastic leaching, it is recommended to avoid using plastic food and beverage packaging, especially when storing liquids for long periods or exposing them to high temperatures. Opting for glass or metal containers is a safer alternative.
