Plastic In Human Barbie: What's The Harm?

Barbie, the iconic doll with an enduring grip on our society, has been a source of entertainment for children and adults alike since 1959. With the recent release of the Barbie movie, the conversation has turned to the environmental impact of the doll, as the plastic Barbie is made from is a key driver of health problems, pollution, and injustice. This has sparked a discussion about the overconsumption of plastics and the impact of toy manufacturing on the environment, as Barbie dolls represent a significant fraction of all plastics produced. With an average of 60 million Barbies sold annually, each 182-gram doll accounts for 660 grams of carbon emissions through plastic production, manufacturing, and transportation, contributing to immense waste.

Barbie's plastic production contributes to environmental concerns

Barbie dolls are made from plastic, and since their unveiling in 1959, over 1 billion have been produced and sold worldwide. Each Barbie doll is estimated to contain 182 grams of plastic, which contributes to the immense waste generated by the toy industry. The production, manufacturing, and transportation of Barbie dolls also result in carbon emissions, with each doll being responsible for approximately 660 grams of carbon emissions.

The recent Barbie movie has increased the demand for the toy, leading to a surge in plastic consumption and waste. The plastic and paint materials used in toy production, along with the associated carbon emissions, have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the Barbie brand. The toy industry is recognized as the most plastic-intensive market, with 90% of toys in the United States made of plastic components, and most toys cannot be recycled due to the complex mixture of materials used in their production.

Barbie dolls are made with various types of fossil fuel-based plastics, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). These plastics contribute to global warming as fossil fuel by-products and harm the environment by contaminating oceans and affecting marine life. The use of plastic in toys is also a health concern, as it can release toxic microplastics and nanoplastics that are easily inhaled or ingested, especially by children who may chew on the toys.

To address these environmental and health concerns, Mattel, the company that produces Barbie, has set sustainability goals. By 2030, Mattel aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic for its products and packaging. This shift towards more sustainable practices is a positive step towards reducing the environmental impact of Barbie's plastic production and contributing to a greener future.

Fossil fuels are used to make Barbie

Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been powering economies and societies for over 150 years, and currently supply about 80% of the world's energy. They are formed from the carbon-rich remains of plants and animals that decomposed and were compressed and heated underground over millions of years.

Barbie dolls, like many other toys, are made from plastic, which is derived from fossil fuels. In fact, Barbie dolls are made with at least five types of fossil fuel-based plastics: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), hard vinyl, and additive chemicals. The production of these plastics contributes to environmental harm and human health risks. Each 182g Barbie doll is responsible for approximately 660g of carbon emissions, including those from plastic production, doll manufacture, and transport.

The plastic used in Barbie dolls and their accessories is a by-product of fossil fuels, specifically crude oil. Crude oil is a mixture of thousands of different molecules, primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon. Through refinement, this crude oil is processed into fuel oil, gasoline, and non-fuel products such as plastics. The plastic mass production that began in the 20th century facilitated the mainstreaming of plastic products, including toys, in everyday life.

The use of fossil fuels to create plastic toys like Barbie dolls has environmental and health implications. Plastic toys contribute to the immense waste quantities, as most toys cannot be recycled due to the complex mixture of materials used in their production. Additionally, the production and consumption of plastic toys contribute to pollution and global warming. The burning of fossil fuels releases stored carbon and other greenhouse gases, leading to dramatic changes in Earth's climate.

To address these issues, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and transition to renewable energy sources. Individuals can make conscious efforts to lower their personal consumption by using reusable products, avoiding single-use plastics, and choosing biodegradable alternatives. On a larger scale, renewable energy sources like hydropower, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar energy offer reliable and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.

Barbie's plastic is harmful to human health

Barbie, like most plastic toys, is made from fossil fuel-based plastics, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and hard vinyl, along with various chemical additives. These additives, such as phthalates and Di(isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH), have been linked to a range of health issues, including asthma, metabolic disorders, and obesity.

Research suggests that DINCH, which is used in newer Barbies to replace phthalates, may have adverse health effects similar to other toxic plasticizers. Plastic toys, including Barbies, can release toxic microplastics and nanoplastics, which can be easily inhaled or ingested, especially if children chew on the toys. These microplastics have been found in the environment and can enter our bodies through food, drink, and inhalation. While the exact effects of microplastics on human health are not yet fully understood, their persistence and accumulation in the body are concerning.

Additionally, plastic toys can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, organ damage, and nausea. The production and disposal of plastic toys also contribute to environmental pollution and global warming, impacting human health on a broader scale.

To reduce the potential health risks associated with plastic Barbies, some advocate for a shift towards reusable, biodegradable, or recycled materials. Mattel, the company that produces Barbie, has set a goal to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic in its toys and packaging by 2030, demonstrating a growing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of plastic production.

Barbie's plastic is made of toxic hydrocarbons

Barbie dolls are made of plastic, which is derived from gas and oil. To produce plastic, crude oil is distilled into hydrocarbons, which are then subjected to temperature and pressure changes to create polymers that can be moulded into various shapes.

Barbie dolls are made from at least five types of fossil fuel-based plastics: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and hard vinyl, as well as additional chemicals. The use of fossil fuels in plastic production has been linked to climate change and global warming. Plastic is responsible for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and this number is expected to rise. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that by 2050, the plastic industry could account for 20% of global oil production.

One of the plastic additives used in newer Barbies is Di(isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH), which has replaced phthalates. Phthalates have been linked to asthma, metabolic disorders, obesity, and other health issues. However, research suggests that DINCH may have similar adverse effects as other toxic plasticizers found in children's toys.

Plastic toys, including Barbies, release toxic microplastics and nanoplastics, which can be easily inhaled or ingested, especially if children chew on the toys. They also off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, organ damage, and nausea.

Additionally, plasticizers like phthalates, which were used in PVC toys for decades, can degrade over time, becoming sticky and discoloured. These degraded chemical compounds can be toxic to toddlers. Furthermore, phthalates have estrogen-like chemical structures, making them hormone (endocrine) disruptors. Such endocrine disruptors have been linked to developmental, growth, metabolic, and reproductive issues.

Barbie's plastic is contributing to global warming

Barbie, the iconic doll that has captured the imagination of children worldwide, is unfortunately contributing to global warming through its plastic composition. With an average of 60 million Barbies sold annually since its launch in 1959, the environmental impact of this plastic toy is significant. Each Barbie doll is made of 182 grams of plastic, which generates approximately 660 grams of carbon emissions during production, manufacturing, and transportation. This equates to 39,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) per year for the entire Barbie production.

The plastic used in Barbie dolls is derived from fossil fuels, which contributes to global warming as a by-product. The extraction and processing of these fossil fuel ingredients release greenhouse gases, adding to the carbon footprint. Additionally, the production of Barbie's accessories, such as clothes, cars, and houses, further increases plastic consumption and waste. The recent surge in Barbie sales due to the movie release will only exacerbate this issue, leading to a potential increase in waste quantities and carbon emissions.

Barbie dolls are not designed to be recycled, and their complex mixture of materials makes recycling challenging. As a result, discarded Barbies often end up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment, where they continue to pollute and release toxic chemicals. The plastic components of Barbie dolls, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), are known to contain harmful additives that can adversely affect human health. These additives have been linked to various health issues, including asthma, metabolic disorders, and obesity.

The microplastics and nanoplastics released by plastic toys are easily inhaled and ingested, especially by children who may chew on the toys. These microscopic plastic particles have been found in the environment, entering our bodies through food, drink, and inhalation. While the exact impacts of microplastics on human health are still being studied, their persistence and accumulation in the environment are concerning.

To address the environmental impact of Barbie dolls, Mattel, the manufacturer, has set sustainability goals. By 2030, Mattel aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic for its products and packaging. However, critics argue that more immediate action is needed, and initiatives like the "Barbie Loves the Ocean" collection and the "Mattel PlayBack" toy recycling scheme are not enough to mitigate the current harm caused by plastic pollution.

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