Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to vinyl flooring, and even in our food. It is estimated that by 2050, 2 billion tonnes of chemical additives will have been used in plastic. These chemicals are added to improve the performance of plastics, making them more flexible, durable, and resistant to heat and sunlight. However, many of these chemicals have not been adequately screened for safety, and some are known to be toxic and harmful to human health and the environment. Scientific results indicate that plastic causes diseases, disabilities, and premature death at every stage of its life cycle. Toxic chemicals found in plastics include phthalates, PFAS, flame retardants, bisphenols, and biocides. These chemicals are of particular concern due to their high toxicity and potential to migrate or be released from plastics. The impact of these chemicals is felt by vulnerable groups, including children, women, and marginalized communities, raising concerns about human rights and environmental injustice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chemicals associated with plastics | More than 13,000 |
| Number of substances associated with plastics with hazardous properties of concern | More than 3,200 |
| Chemicals of concern in plastics | Flame retardants, UV stabilizers, PFASs, phthalates, bisphenols, alkylphenols, biocides, certain metals and metalloids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that improve performance | Chemicals that make plastic more flexible, resistant to heat and sunlight, and chemicals for colouring |
| Chemicals in plastics that are toxic | Phthalates, PFAS, flame retardants, styrene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that are persistent | Bisphenols, PFASs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that bioaccumulate | PFASs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that are endocrine disruptors | Phthalates, PFASs, biocides, alkylphenols, metals and metalloids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that are carcinogens | Styrene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that have adverse effects on reproduction | Phthalates, PFASs, biocides, alkylphenols, metals and metalloids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that have adverse effects on development | Flame retardants, PFASs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that are hazardous to workers | Flame retardants, PFASs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemicals in plastics that contribute to climate change | PFASs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
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What You'll Learn
- Chemicals of concern: toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and hazardous
- Health impacts: cancer, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental impairment
- Environmental impacts: climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution
- Plastic additives: phthalates, PFAS, flame retardants
- Plastic products: vinyl flooring, grocery bags, electronics
Chemicals of concern: toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and hazardous
Plastics contain a wide range of chemicals, which are added to improve performance. Some of these chemicals are toxic and can have serious adverse effects on human health and the environment. These toxic chemicals are released into the environment over time from plastics, during manufacture, use, and waste disposal. They can leach into our food, escape into indoor air, and are found in microplastics.
The UNEP's "Chemicals in Plastics: A Technical Report" highlights the urgent need to address chemicals in plastics as part of global action on plastic pollution. The report outlines the adverse impacts of plastic pollution on human health and the environment, with a focus on the chemical-related issues often overlooked. It is estimated that by 2050, 2 billion tonnes of chemical additives will have been used in plastic.
Scientific data has identified more than 7,000 substances associated with plastics, with over 3,200 exhibiting hazardous properties of concern. These hazardous chemicals can impact several key periods in a woman's life and may have transgenerational effects. Fetal development and children are particularly vulnerable to exposures, which can cause neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders. Recent research also highlights the detrimental effects on male fertility.
Ten groups of chemicals are identified as being 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, alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, biocides, certain metals and metalloids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These chemicals of concern are found in a wide range of products, including toys, food packaging, electronics, and building materials.
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Health impacts: cancer, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental impairment
Plastics are made from petrochemicals derived from oil and gas operations. These fossil fuels are processed using numerous toxic chemicals, including chlorine gas, ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride, and PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). Vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen, and exposure to it has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Other chemicals released during oil and gas operations, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, have also been associated with a higher likelihood of developing breast, bladder, colon, lung, lymphoma, and prostate cancers.
The production, use, and disposal of plastics can expose people to these toxic chemicals, leading to significant health risks. One of the most prevalent toxic chemical additives in plastics is bisphenol-A (BPA), which is commonly found in food and beverage containers and baby bottles. Research has implicated BPA in neurodevelopmental issues, mood and anxiety disorders, and neurocognitive impairments. Studies have found links between prenatal BPA exposure and anxiety and depression in boys. It is also believed to disrupt the blood-brain barrier, potentially contributing to Alzheimer's disease.
In addition to cancer and neurodevelopmental risks, plastics contain and leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These EDCs interfere with the body's hormone systems and have been associated with a range of health issues, including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments in developing fetuses and children. The pervasive use of plastics in daily life exposes individuals to a harmful mix of these EDCs, posing a serious threat to human health and the environment.
While many chemicals added to plastics are useful and relatively safe, some are of high concern. These high-concern chemicals have persistent and toxic effects, accumulating in the environment and building up in animals. They can be released during the manufacturing, use, or waste stages of plastics, leading to widespread contamination. The acceleration of plastic production is expected to exacerbate EDC exposure, increasing the urgency to address this global health issue through effective public policies and international cooperation.
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Environmental impacts: climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution
Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, including natural gas and crude oil. It contains chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors, which threaten human health. The production of single-use plastics contributes to climate change. Extracting and creating these plastics emits vast amounts of greenhouse gases. It is estimated that the extraction of fossil fuels and their transportation to plastic factories emits 1.5 to 12.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. Removing forested land for oil extraction and pipeline construction has released more than 1.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The refinement of plastics emits an additional 184 to 213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year. Landfills, where single-use plastics are disposed of, account for more than 15% of methane emissions.
Plastics also negatively affect biodiversity. Plastic pollution is found all around the globe, from the deepest part of the oceans to the Antarctic tundra and tropical coral reefs. At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris. Research indicates that more than 1,500 species in marine and terrestrial environments are known to ingest plastics. A 2016 report by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognized that marine debris is a globally significant stressor on the marine and coastal environment, as studies show that almost 800 marine species are affected by plastic pollution.
Plastics contain a range of different chemicals that are added to improve their performance. Some make plastic more flexible, some make them more resistant to heat and sunlight, and some are for colouring. While many of these chemicals are useful and safe, some are chemicals of concern. These chemicals have concerning properties—for example, some do not easily break down and can last for a long time in the environment, some are toxic, and some can build up to high levels in animals. These chemicals are released into the environment during the manufacture, use, or disposal of plastic products.
To reduce the impact of plastic on climate change and biodiversity, it is essential to stop using single-use plastics and transition to reusable alternatives. This can include using reusable water bottles and bags, avoiding overly packaged items, repurposing old containers, and supporting companies committed to reducing plastic use.
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Plastic additives: phthalates, PFAS, flame retardants
Plastic is a versatile material that has been designed to improve our quality of life. It can be used to keep food fresh, in medical applications, and to prevent electronics and other household items from damage. However, some of the additives in plastics, such as phthalates, PFAS, and flame retardants, have raised concerns about their potential harm to human health and the environment.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used in plastics to make them more flexible and durable. They have been associated with potential reproductive and developmental toxicity, with studies showing their impact on thyroid function and fetal neurodevelopment. Bisphenol A (BPA), another plastic additive, is used in epoxy resins that line food cans, polyester-styrene, and polycarbonate plastics for baby bottles.
PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are authorized by the FDA for use in plastic food packaging. PFAS are added to plastics to facilitate manufacturing, but they can also migrate into food. The FDA estimates that an adult consuming 3 kilograms of food and beverages per day could ingest PFAS at levels ranging from 0.07 to 41.6 ppb. This is considered a "worst-case" estimate, but it highlights the potential for PFAS to accumulate in our bodies and the environment.
Flame retardants are additives that help prevent the spread of flames, enhancing the safety of plastic products. While strict regulations govern their use, concerns remain about their potential environmental and health impacts. For example, antimony trioxide (ATO), a common flame retardant, is facing supply chain stability issues, prompting the development of alternative solutions.
While many plastic additives have useful and safe applications, some are considered "chemicals of concern." These chemicals may not easily break down, persist in the environment, exhibit toxicity, or accumulate in animals. More research is needed to understand the potential health effects of these additives, and strict regulations and safety standards are in place to protect individuals, animals, and the environment.
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Plastic products: vinyl flooring, grocery bags, electronics
Plastic is made from a range of chemicals that enhance its performance, such as flexibility, heat resistance, and colour. Some of these additives are safe, while others are of high concern due to their persistence in the environment, toxicity, and ability to accumulate in animals. Plastic products, such as vinyl flooring, grocery bags, and electronics, contain specific chemicals that serve various purposes.
Vinyl flooring is a common plastic product that consists of several raw materials and chemicals. The core of vinyl flooring may be attached to a felt backing made from paper, wood pulp, clay, or calcium carbonate. Vinyl flooring often contains fillers to add texture, durability, and colour, while also reducing costs. To create vinyl flooring, manufacturers combine vinyl resin, plasticizers, and additives to form a plastisol, which is then rolled out and dried with heat and air into a durable sheet.
Grocery bags, often single-use plastic bags, start as fossil fuels and contribute significantly to pollution and waste. These bags contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to wildlife, such as birds and sea turtles, when ingested. Microplastics from these bags also enter the food chain and are consumed by humans.
Electronics often utilise plastics for their beneficial properties, such as thermal resilience, insulation, flame retardancy, and strength. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is widely used in electronics for its excellent electrical insulation properties, durability, and resistance to moisture, chemicals, and weather conditions. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is a variant used in industrial operations. Polycarbonate is another thermoplastic used in electronics for its durability and versatility. PTFE, known for its heat and chemical resistance, is ideal for electrical connectors and high-temperature wiring. Polyamide (PA), or nylon, is used for its mechanical strength and heat resistance in insulating materials for electrical connectors and circuit breakers.
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Frequently asked questions
Chemicals are added to plastics to improve their performance. Some common chemicals found in plastics include phthalates, PFAS, flame retardants, styrene, bisphenols, and alkylphenols.
These chemicals have been linked to serious health conditions. They can cause cancer, impair hormones, and lead to reproductive, growth, and cognitive issues. Exposure to these chemicals can also cause neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders.
Humans are exposed to these chemicals through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact. They can escape from plastic casings and pollute indoor air, or they can leach from plastic products into our food and water.
To avoid exposure, one can reduce the use of plastic products, especially those containing high-concern chemical additives. Contact the manufacturer or retailer to determine if a product contains such chemicals. Additionally, support organizations like Toxic-Free Future, which are working to ban these dangerous chemicals and protect public health.
