Sofia Martinez
There are various types of plastic found in cars, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene. When heated, plastics can release chemicals through a process called leaching. While heated plastics do not release dioxins, they can leach other chemicals, and the type of chemical released depends on the type of plastic. For example, polycarbonate reusable plastic water bottles are made of bisphenol A, which has been linked to adverse health effects in animal studies. The toxicity of plastics to humans is not well-established, but certain chemicals released by plastics are suspected to be harmful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in cars toxic when heated | Yes, car interiors are toxic all year round, but the summer sun can make cars more dangerous. |
| Plastics that are toxic when heated | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene terephthalate |
| Temperature at which plastic becomes toxic | 250-320 °C (482 °F to 608 °F) |
| Chemicals released when plastic is heated | Carbon oxides, chlorine, antimony, formaldehyde, heavy metals |
| Health effects of exposure to heated plastic | Nausea, headaches, problems with the central nervous system, hormones, memory loss, cancer |
| Ways to mitigate the effects of plastic off-gassing in cars | Keep the car well-ventilated, especially when it's new and in the summer. Use UV-resistant sun shields in the windows. |
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What You'll Learn
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics release toxic substances when heated
- The toxicity of TCDD to animals is well-established
- Food-safe plastics are generally safe when heated
- Plastic water bottles left in hot cars do not release dioxin but may leach other harmful chemicals
- Vinyl plasticisers in car seats may have anti-androgenic properties
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics release toxic substances when heated
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most commonly used synthetic polymers and is present in many everyday items, from flooring and pipes to car parts and children's toys. It is also used in food packaging and medical equipment. Given its widespread use, it is important to understand the potential health and environmental risks associated with PVC.
PVC is derived from vinyl chloride, a toxic and volatile chemical that is considered a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. There is no safe level of exposure to vinyl chloride, which has been linked to liver cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and cancers of the brain and lungs. It also poses risks to pregnant women, who may be at increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects when exposed. The production and disposal of PVC contribute to environmental pollution and the contamination of soils and water, threatening ecosystems and the health of humans and animals.
When heated, PVC can release toxic substances, including phthalates and other additives. The temperature at which this occurs depends on the specific type of PVC and its additives. While the polymer itself doesn't degrade until temperatures reach 250°C, plasticisers and fillers can leech out at lower temperatures, particularly between 30°C and 50°C. The toxicity of these substances depends on the dose and exposure level. However, it is important to note that food-safe plastics are generally not considered dangerous when heated slightly above intended temperatures.
Burning PVC can result in the release of even more harmful substances, such as phosgene, a lethal gas, and hydrochloric acid, which is highly corrosive to the lungs. Incomplete combustion of PVC can also lead to the formation of dioxin, a toxic organic chemical containing chlorine. Exposure to dioxin fumes can have deadly consequences. Additionally, the combustion of PVC contributes to the formation of microplastics, which accumulate in the environment and living organisms, becoming part of the food chain.
Given the potential risks associated with PVC, some organisations have campaigned against its use, advocating for safer alternatives. There have also been calls for a ban on vinyl chloride and efforts to phase out PVC in certain applications, such as packaging. It is important for individuals to make informed choices and take precautions to minimise their exposure to potentially toxic substances.
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The toxicity of TCDD to animals is well-established
TCDD has been shown to cause various systemic effects in animals, including tumorigenesis, immunological dysfunction, and teratogenesis. Studies using rats and mice have demonstrated that TCDD is an animal teratogen and carcinogen. It can cause anorexia and wasting, and even at high doses, animals may only survive for 1 to 6 weeks after exposure. The lethal dose varies among species, with guinea pigs having a much lower tolerance than hamsters.
In addition to its acute toxicity, TCDD has been linked to long-term health issues in animals. Chronic exposure to TCDD has resulted in several types of cancer in animals. It is considered a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) based primarily on animal experiments. While the risk to humans from occupational studies was weak and borderline detectable, even at high exposures, animal studies have shown a stronger link. However, it is important to note that TCDD does not affect genetic material, and there is a level of exposure below which the cancer risk is negligible.
The developing fetus and newborns are particularly sensitive to the effects of TCDD exposure. In Vietnam and the United States, teratogenic or birth defects were observed in children of people exposed to Agent Orange, which contained TCDD as an impurity. TCDD has also been associated with chloracne, a skin rash, in both animals and humans.
Overall, the toxicity of TCDD to animals is well-documented and established through various studies and experiments. It causes a range of harmful effects, including acute toxicity, long-term health issues, and developmental problems in offspring. While the specific mechanisms and risks to humans are still being studied, the toxic potential of TCDD is clear and efforts are needed to reduce exposure.
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Food-safe plastics are generally safe when heated
It is important to distinguish between "food-safe" and "food-grade" plastics. Every food-safe material is food-grade, but not every food-grade material is food-safe. Food-grade plastics are considered anything that is okay to either consume or come into direct contact with food. Food-grade materials are only considered food-safe if they are used as intended to prevent safety hazards. For example, a plastic container manufactured for dry cereal may not safely store hot soup, as heat can break down chemical bonds in the plastic, causing toxins to contaminate the food.
It is recommended to avoid microwaving plastic containers, as even "microwave-safe" claims on containers are not third-party certified. Instead, it is advised to use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for heating food in the microwave or oven, as these materials are toxin-free and have higher heat resistance.
When it comes to specific types of plastics, HDPE, LDPE, PC, PETE, and PP plastics are FDA-approved and food-safe. Polycarbonate is also FDA-compliant for food storage due to its heat resistance. Polystyrene is FDA-approved but may leach the chemical styrene into food products when heated in the microwave, although officials consider the levels too low to be concerning. Bioplastics, ranked 7, are generally safe for food storage, but they have been shown to contain low levels of BPA.
Overall, while food-safe plastics are generally considered safe when heated, it is crucial to follow recommended guidelines, use suitable containers for heating food, and be cautious of potential toxins that may be released at high temperatures.
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Plastic water bottles left in hot cars do not release dioxin but may leach other harmful chemicals
However, heat does react with the plastic of the bottle to release chemicals in a process known as "leaching". While the type of chemicals released depends on the type of bottle, some of these chemicals can be harmful to human health. For example, polycarbonate reusable plastic water bottles are made of bisphenol A (BPA), which has been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including functioning like a hormone mimic and as an "obesogen", or fattening chemical, in animal studies. Polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used for single-use disposable plastic bottles, is known to leach a harmful metal, antimony, that can cause lung, heart, and stomach problems.
Some researchers who study plastics recommend against drinking water from plastic bottles that have been sitting in hot places for a long time, such as a car in the sun. Cheryl Watson, a professor in the biochemistry and molecular biology department at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, advises people not to store bottled water in places with significant heat, like a garage or a car parked outside. She explains that "when you heat things up, the molecules jiggle around faster and that makes them escape from one phase into another. So the plastic leaches its component chemicals out into the water much faster and more with heat applied to it."
The International Bottled Water Association maintains that plastic bottled water containers are regulated and safe under a variety of conditions, including when they are left in hot cars. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that bottled water, like any food product, should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
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Vinyl plasticisers in car seats may have anti-androgenic properties
While there is limited information on the specific topic of vinyl plasticisers in car seats and their potential anti-androgenic properties, there is evidence that car seats and other car components can contain toxic chemicals. Flame retardants, for instance, are added to vehicles to meet flammability standards, and organophosphate esters (OPEs) are the most frequently detected flame retardant class in car interiors. Tris(1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), a type of OPE, was detected in 51 out of 101 vehicle seat foam samples in one study. TCIPP was also found to be the dominant flame retardant in the seat foam, with concentrations correlated with ambient temperature, peaking in the summer.
Flame retardants are not the only chemicals of concern in car seats. The "new car smell," for example, is caused by toxic fumes released from interior components. When the plastic and vinyl of dashboards heat up, they can release toxic fumes through a process called out-gassing, which can cause windshield fogging.
Additionally, certain plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), can release toxic chemicals when heated or burned. PVC combustion can produce dioxin, a toxic chemical containing chlorine, which can have deadly results if inhaled or exposed to its fumes. However, it is important to note that plastic water bottles left in hot cars do not release dioxins, according to experts.
While the specific anti-androgenic properties of vinyl plasticisers in car seats require further investigation, the presence of various toxic chemicals in car seats and interiors underscores the importance of understanding the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to these substances.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic in cars can release toxic substances when heated, but it depends on the type of plastic and the temperature. PVC, for example, can release toxic substances like chlorine when heated to high temperatures (above 250°C). However, it's important to note that most plastics in cars are designed to withstand normal operating temperatures without releasing toxins.
Exposure to heated plastics, such as PVC, can release toxic chemicals like chlorine and phthalates, which may have short and long-term health effects. Short-term exposure may cause skin rashes, while long-term exposure to certain chemicals has been linked to more serious issues, such as cancer.
PVC is a common plastic in cars, and it has been known to release toxic substances like chlorine when heated to high temperatures. Other plastics, like polyethylene, may release carbon oxides, which are less harmful. It's important to note that the toxicity of plastics also depends on the additives used, such as plasticizers and fillers.
To reduce your risk of exposure, avoid heating plastics in your car unnecessarily. This includes leaving plastic items in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Additionally, choose products made from safer alternative materials when possible, and ensure proper ventilation in your vehicle to reduce the concentration of any potentially harmful chemicals.
