Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and it's nearly impossible to avoid. However, many plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food and drinks, increasing exposure to toxic substances. These chemicals are added to improve the performance of plastics, but some can be toxic and have concerning properties. For example, black plastics can contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals such as phthalates and heavy metals. A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that 74% of everyday plastic products were toxic in some way. To reduce exposure to toxic plastics, individuals can take simple steps such as using storage containers made of glass or stainless steel and avoiding microwaving plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Black plastic is considered toxic as it contains unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals such as phthalates, flame retardants, and heavy metals. |
| Type | Polystyrene, #3 PVC, #7 PC, and black plastics are considered harmful by the US Plastics Pact. |
| Use | Plastic products that come into contact with food and drinks, such as containers, cups, utensils, and lids, are more likely to be toxic. |
| Heat Exposure | Exposure to heat increases the likelihood of toxic chemicals leaching into food and drinks. |
| Flexibility | Plastics with added flexibility may contain toxic chemicals. |
| Recyclability | Black plastics are less recyclable due to the challenge they pose for optical sorters at recycling facilities. |
| Manufacturing | The manufacturing process may contaminate the air, water, and surrounding communities with toxic chemical byproducts. |
| Health Effects | Toxic chemicals in plastics have been linked to various cancers, reduced fertility, developmental issues, neurological damage, and thyroid dysfunction. |
| Identification | Request information from the product manufacturer or retailer to determine the presence of toxic chemicals. |
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What You'll Learn
Black plastics: toxic chemicals and heavy metals
Black plastics are considered toxic and harmful by the US Plastics Pact. They are largely sourced from electronic waste, such as TVs and computers, which contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. These include phthalates, flame retardants, cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium, and mercury. As black plastic cannot be recycled, it is melted down and mixed with food-grade plastics. This process creates new products that pose a higher risk to human health, such as utensils, to-go containers, cooking implements, hot cup lids, coffee stirrers, and children's toys.
The dark pigment in black plastic poses a logistical challenge for recyclers, as it cannot be read by optical sorters at recycling facilities. As a result, the plastics must be sorted manually, increasing sorting costs. Markets that buy plastics for remanufacturing also tend to avoid black plastic because it cannot be transformed into other colours when remade into new products.
The toxic chemicals in black plastic can leach into food and drinks, especially when exposed to heat. This increases the risk of exposure to substances linked to health concerns, such as reproductive and developmental problems, brain and kidney poisoning, disrupted thyroid function, and long-term neurological damage.
To reduce exposure to toxic black plastic, it is recommended to avoid using plastic cooking utensils and food containers, especially when microwaving food. Instead, opt for materials such as wood, glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. It is also advisable to avoid single-use hot cups with black plastic lids and to carry your own reusable metal or ceramic mugs.
While regulations limit the levels of toxic chemicals and metals in electronic devices, there are currently no government regulations addressing the safety of recycled black plastic items. This means that toxic chemicals prohibited in electronics are legal in items like black plastic forks, spatulas, or hot cup lids. It is important to be cautious and choose safer alternatives to protect your health and the environment.
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Polystyrene: a neurotoxin and possible carcinogen
Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic, derived from natural gas and oil. It is commonly referred to as Styrofoam and is used extensively in the manufacture of plastic packaging, thermal insulation in building construction, refrigeration equipment, disposable cups, and containers.
Polystyrene is composed of styrene molecules, which have been described by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as a likely human carcinogen. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services identifies styrene as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," and reports that styrene exposure is linked to "increased risks for leukemia, lymphoma, or all lymphohematopoietic cancer." Studies of workers exposed to high levels of styrene have shown increased levels of DNA adducts and genetic damage in lymphocytes, as well as increased mortality from or incidence of cancer of the lymphohematopoietic system.
In addition to being a possible carcinogen, styrene is also a neurotoxin. Styrene can cause respiratory and eye irritation, vision and hearing loss, and impaired memory and concentration. The creation of styrene involves benzene and ethylbenzene, additional fossil fuel-based chemicals that are harmful to health. Benzene is a known carcinogen linked to leukemia and other cancers of the blood and can cause reproductive harm. Ethylbenzene is a possible human carcinogen and has been shown to cause skin and eye irritation, as well as kidney, lung, and liver cancer in animal studies.
Polystyrene production and disposal pose serious health hazards to workers and frontline communities. During production, styrene, benzene, and ethylbenzene are used, putting workers at risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals. The manufacturing of polystyrene releases over fifty chemical byproducts that contaminate the air, water, and communities that work in and live near these facilities. Polystyrene is also challenging to recycle due to its composition and tendency to be contaminated by food and drinks. When it ends up in landfills, harmful chemicals are released into the environment.
To reduce exposure to polystyrene and its potential toxic effects, it is recommended to avoid using Styrofoam food trays, disposable cups and bowls, carry-out containers, and opaque plastic cutlery. Consumers can also reduce their use of polystyrene by opting for storage containers made of glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic and kitchen utensils made from wood, bamboo, or stainless steel.
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PVC: contains phthalates and releases toxic chemicals
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic. It is used in construction for pipes, doors, windows, plastic bottles, packaging, bank or membership cards, plumbing, electrical cable insulation, flooring, and more. PVC often contains phthalates, which are chemicals of concern. Phthalates are known to cause skin reactions such as allergic contact dermatitis. They have also been linked to the development of asthma and allergies, particularly in children.
PVC releases toxic chemicals throughout its lifespan. Heating or burning PVC materials releases phthalates and other combustion products into indoor and ambient air. Pyrolysis and dampness-related degradation of PVC materials also cause the emission of various other chemicals that may influence airway irritation and inflammation and increase the risk of asthma and allergies.
In 2008, the US Congress banned the use of PVC in children's products due to the potential risks associated with phthalates. The European Chemicals Bureau of the European Commission also assessed the potential risks related to phthalates and introduced a specific labeling requirement for all devices containing phthalates that are classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction).
To reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in PVC and other plastics, it is recommended to avoid microwaving plastic, even if labelled "microwave-safe," as heat accelerates the leaching of chemicals. It is also advisable to avoid storing fatty or acidic foods in plastic, as these foods can absorb harmful chemicals more easily.
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Avoid microwaving plastic: heat accelerates leaching
Plastic is a ubiquitous material in our daily lives, from food packaging to household items. While it offers convenience and affordability, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with toxic chemicals in plastic. These chemicals can leach into our food and drinks, especially when heated, posing a threat to our well-being.
One of the most critical precautions to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in plastics is to avoid microwaving plastic containers. Heat acts as a catalyst, accelerating the leaching process and increasing the release of chemicals into your food. This includes containers labelled as "microwave-safe," as these labels have been deemed misleading due to the increased release of microplastics when heated.
When plastic is heated in a microwave, it can break down into microplastics, which are tiny fragments of plastic less than five millimetres long. These microplastics can then contaminate your food and, consequently, your body. Research suggests that these microplastics accumulate in our bodies, and initial findings indicate widespread harm.
To minimise your exposure to toxic chemicals, it is advisable to use alternative materials for storing and heating food. Glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic containers are recommended. Additionally, allowing hot foods to cool before placing them in plastic containers can help reduce the risk of chemical leaching.
While it may be challenging to eliminate plastic entirely from our lives, adopting these simple measures can significantly reduce potential health risks associated with toxic chemicals in plastics. By being mindful of the dangers and making informed choices, we can take proactive steps towards safeguarding our health and creating a safer environment for ourselves and future generations.
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Safer alternatives: glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic
While plastic is prevalent in our lives, it comes with hidden costs. Many plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food and drinks, increasing exposure to toxic substances. These chemicals may be intentionally added to enhance the performance of the plastic, such as improving flexibility or heat resistance, but they can have concerning properties. Some chemicals do not break down easily and persist in the environment, while others are toxic and can accumulate to dangerous levels in animals.
To protect your health and the environment, it is essential to opt for safer alternatives to plastic. When it comes to food and drink storage, glass, stainless steel, and lead-free ceramic are excellent choices. Glass is a renewable resource made from sand, and it does not contain chemicals that can leach into your food or body. It is also easily recyclable and reusable, making it a sustainable option. Glass storage containers, such as Pyrex, are available for various purposes, from storing leftovers to blending.
Stainless steel is another durable and versatile alternative. It is safe for food contact and can be found in various kitchen appliances and utensils, such as stick blenders and French presses. Stainless steel is also an excellent choice for drink containers, ensuring no harmful chemicals come into contact with your beverages.
Lead-free ceramic is a safer option for storage containers, providing a non-toxic alternative to plastic. These materials are safer than even "safer" plastics, which may contain chemical additives that are not thoroughly tested for long-term health effects.
In addition to these alternatives, there are other simple steps you can take to reduce your plastic use. For example, shopping at farmers' markets and buying whole, unprocessed foods can minimise plastic packaging. You can also choose wooden or bamboo utensils and opt for appliances without plastic in food contact areas. By advocating for change and supporting bans on harmful plastics, we can also encourage policymakers and retailers to invest in these safer alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to find out is by requesting this information from the product manufacturer or retailer.
Some plastics that are considered toxic for human health and that have proven to be less recyclable than other plastics include black plastics, #3 PVC, #6 PS, #7 PC, and polystyrene.
Many plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food and drinks, increasing exposure to substances linked to health concerns. These chemicals may be intentionally added, for example, to make the plastic flexible or flame retardant, or they may be contaminants from recycled plastic feedstock.
You can take simple steps to reduce your plastic use, especially in the kitchen, and choose safer alternatives. Opt for storage containers made of glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic, and kitchen utensils made from wood, bamboo, or stainless steel.
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