Maya Ellison
Plastics are everywhere, from grocery bags to medical devices, and their production has increased exponentially since the 1950s, reaching about 460 million tonnes in 2019. With this surge in plastic production, the use of plastic-associated chemicals has also increased, posing a serious threat to human health and the environment. Scientific evidence has identified over 13,000 chemicals associated with plastics, many of which are toxic and have harmful effects on human development, safety, and the environment. These chemicals are released during the entire life cycle of plastics, from production to disposal, and have been found in various sectors, including food packaging, electronics, and building materials. As a result, there is a growing awareness and urgent call for action to address the chemical-related issues stemming from plastic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chemicals associated with plastics | Over 13,000 |
| Number of chemical groups of major concern | 10 |
| Examples of chemicals of major concern | Specific flame retardants, certain UV stabilizers, PFASs, phthalates, bisphenols, alkylphenols, biocides, certain metals and metalloids |
| Chemicals released during the plastic life cycle | Benzene, ethylbenzene |
| Harmful effects | Cancer, lower IQ, hormone disruption, harm to fetus development |
| Chemicals that make plastic flexible | Phthalates |
| Chemicals that make plastic durable | Vinyl, polystyrene, PET, PFAS, antimony |
| Chemicals that make plastic fire-resistant | Flame retardants, bromine |
| Chemicals that make plastic colourful | Nitrogen |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic additives in food cans and water bottles
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to vinyl flooring, and with its convenience comes serious harm. Many plastic products contain toxic chemicals like phthalates, vinyl, polystyrene, PFAS, and flame retardants, which can impact our health and safety. These chemicals are of major concern due to their high toxicity and potential to migrate or be released from plastics.
For example, bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is known to interfere with hormone receptors and has been linked to various health issues, including reproductive problems, heart disease, and diabetes. In 2008, the FDA raised questions about the safety of BPA and agreed that more research was needed. While the FDA has banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, there are still no substantive limits on plastic-related chemicals in food packaging or production.
Another common chemical found in plastic food cans and water bottles is phthalates. These are plasticizer chemicals that are known to interfere with hormone function and have been linked to reproductive issues. While the FDA no longer allows certain phthalates in materials that come into direct contact with food, there are still many phthalates present in food cans and water bottles.
It is important to note that the potential health risks of these chemicals may be cumulative, meaning that steady exposure to even small amounts over time could increase the chances of adverse health outcomes. While regulatory bodies like the FDA have implemented standards and requirements for bottled water and food packaging, there is still a need for more stringent restrictions on the use of harmful chemicals in these products.
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Harmful chemicals in toys and children's products
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to toys and children's products. With their convenience comes serious harm. Many plastic products contain toxic chemicals that can impact our health and safety. As plastic use increases, so do the negative consequences, such as polluted oceans, disposal challenges, and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
Children are particularly vulnerable to exposure to chemicals of concern (CoC) due to their rapid metabolic rate, high surface-area-to-body-weight ratio, and rapid growth of organs and tissues. Toys made of plastic or coated in plastic can contain harmful chemicals that can leach out over time. These chemicals can also be released into the surrounding environment, contaminating air, water, and soil. Toys with hazardous chemicals can be especially harmful to children, as they often put toys in their mouths, exposing them to these chemicals through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
Some of the harmful chemicals commonly found in plastic toys and children's products include phthalates, bisphenols, flame retardants, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are associated with endocrine disruption, interfering with the hormone system and potentially impacting reproductive and cognitive development. They have also been linked to various health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and reduced fertility.
To address this issue, stronger regulations and laws are needed to ban the use of harmful chemicals in toys and children's products. The EU, for example, has proposed new rules to ban harmful chemicals, especially those disrupting growth hormones, in imported toys. Additionally, initiatives like the Strategic Alliance for International Chemicals Management (SAICM) consider toys a priority sector, recognizing the potential presence of hazardous chemicals despite regulations.
It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks associated with plastic toys and children's products. While it may be challenging to identify contaminated toys, resources like the WECF toy guide and apps can help make informed purchasing decisions. Advocating for stricter policies and supporting organizations working towards reducing toxic chemicals in plastics can also contribute to creating a safer environment for children.
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Toxic chemicals in common building materials
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to vinyl flooring, and its production and disposal release hazardous chemicals like benzene and ethylbenzene, which are harmful to both human health and the environment. Many plastic products contain toxic chemicals like phthalates, flame retardants, and vinyl chloride, which have been linked to cancer and can cause air, water, and soil pollution.
Toxic chemicals are also prevalent in common building materials, such as insulation, carpets, paints, and flooring. Here are some examples of toxic chemicals found in these materials:
Flame Retardants: PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are commonly used as flame retardants in plastic building materials, especially in polyurethane foam insulation and cushions. Studies have associated PBDEs with liver toxicity, thyroid issues, developmental and reproductive problems, and neurotoxicity. Another flame retardant, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), is used in Teflon products and has been identified as a likely human carcinogen, causing tumours in laboratory animals. PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), found in carpets and rugs, have also been associated with liver and thyroid cancer in rats.
Phthalates: Often called "plasticizers," phthalates are industrial chemicals added to plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to make them more flexible. Phthalates are present in many building materials, including carpet backing, flooring, wall coverings, and roofing membranes. They are known to be hormone disruptors and have been linked to adverse health effects in children and pregnant women.
Asbestos: Asbestos fibres are strong, heat-resistant, and chemical-resistant, making them useful for insulation and fireproofing. However, inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious respiratory problems and lung diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The latency period for these diseases can be long, with symptoms sometimes not appearing until 10-40 years after initial exposure.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen commonly found in building materials. It can be released from various sources, including pressed wood products, adhesives, and certain insulation materials.
Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs): SCCPs are used as lubricants and coolants in metalworking processes, so they may be present in metal building products. They are classified as toxic to aquatic life and have been shown to cause cancer in rats and mice.
The presence of these toxic chemicals in common building materials has led to growing concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. Organisations like Toxic-Free Future are advocating for safer alternatives and working with government agencies to phase out these harmful substances and implement stronger regulations.
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Hazardous chemicals released during plastic production and disposal
Plastic is a synthetic material made from the energy-intensive conversion of feedstocks (raw materials) or certain chemicals primarily derived from fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal. During the production process, monomers (shorter units of molecules) are bonded or 'cracked' into polymers (long, strong chain molecules that form the basic building blocks of plastics). Plastics contain additives such as colorants, lubricants, plasticizers, and flame retardants, which are incorporated to give them specific properties.
However, these additives can also be released into the environment during plastic production and disposal, causing harm to both the manufacturer and the environment. For example, the loss of plasticizers can lower the tensile strength of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Living organisms can be exposed to these released additives, which can have toxic effects.
Furthermore, plastics are associated with more than 13,000 chemicals, and ten groups of these chemicals are of major concern due to their high toxicity and potential to migrate or be released from plastics. These include specific flame retardants, certain UV stabilizers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phthalates, bisphenols (such as Bisphenol A or BPA), alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, biocides, certain metals and metalloids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
These hazardous chemicals can be released from plastics during their entire life cycle, including the extraction of raw materials, production of polymers, manufacture of plastic products, use of plastic products, and at the end of their life. Improper waste management can cause these chemicals to contaminate the air, water, and soil. Exposure to these chemicals can occur through ingestion of food and water, inhalation of airborne plastic pollution, and accumulation in dust.
The health risks associated with these chemicals include infertility, obesity, diabetes, cancer, thyroid problems, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, reproductive issues, growth and cognitive impairment, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Women and children are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of these chemicals, and exposure during fetal development and early childhood can have severe and long-lasting consequences.
Therefore, it is crucial to address the hazardous chemicals released during plastic production and disposal through global action on plastic pollution, transitioning to a toxic-free and sustainable circular economy.
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Chemicals impacting human health and the environment
Plastic is made of chemicals, including polymers, additives to make products stronger, softer, colourful or fire-resistant, and non-intentionally added substances such as impurities from manufacturing, use and recycling. While many of the chemicals added to plastics are useful and safe, some are harmful and have concerning properties. These chemicals can be released from plastic during its entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials, production of polymers and manufacture of plastic products, to the use and disposal of plastic products.
Chemicals of concern in plastics include specific flame retardants, certain UV stabilizers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phthalates, bisphenols, alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, biocides, certain metals and metalloids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and many other non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). These chemicals have been found in plastics across a wide range of sectors, including toys, packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, vehicles, synthetic textiles, furniture, building materials, and medical devices.
The harmful effects of these chemicals on human health and the environment are well-documented. For example, exposure to toxic plastic ingredients has been linked to hormone disruption, lower IQ, and increased risk of cancer. Communities, particularly low-income communities and communities of colour, are disproportionately affected by the production and disposal of plastics, which release hazardous chemicals such as benzene and ethylbenzene into the air, water, and soils.
The universal exposure of pregnant women to toxic plastic ingredients means that children are exposed to plastics that can harm their development even before birth. Research has found that microplastics contaminate human placenta and breast milk, with potentially detrimental effects on infant health.
There is a growing recognition of the urgent need to address the issue of chemicals in plastics to protect human health and the environment. Efforts are being made by organizations such as Toxic-Free Future and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to reduce the use of toxic plastics, eliminate harmful chemicals, and develop international legally binding instruments to end plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Some harmful chemicals found in plastics include phthalates, PFAS, vinyl, polystyrene, styrene, benzene, ethylbenzene, and flame retardants. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormone disruption, and negative effects on child development.
These toxic chemicals can be released from plastic during its entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of plastic waste. They can contaminate the air, water, and soil, leading to polluted oceans, harmful air pollution, and toxic plastic waste. Additionally, they can escape from plastic casings, polluting indoor air and exposing families through dust. The universal exposure of pregnant women to these chemicals also means that children are exposed to them in utero, impacting their development.
Various organizations, such as Toxic-Free Future and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), are working to address this issue. Toxic-Free Future advocates for eliminating harmful chemicals, implementing prevention-based policies, and influencing policy changes to protect public health and the environment. UNEP has published reports highlighting the urgent need for global action to address the adverse impacts of chemicals in plastics on human health and the environment, supporting the development of an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.
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