Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to vinyl flooring, and it has been increasingly linked to numerous harms to human health and the environment. Plastics may contain any mix of more than 16,000 different chemicals, and at least 4,200 of these are highly hazardous to human and environmental health. Some of the dangerous chemicals found in plastics include phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, vinyl, flame retardants, pesticides, benzene, ethylbenzene, and styrene. These chemicals can interfere with the endocrine system, causing hormonal imbalances and leading to issues such as infertility, reproductive problems, obesity, diabetes, and hormone-related cancers. They can also impact neurological and developmental health, causing lower IQ and behavioural problems in children. Exposure to these chemicals can occur through ingestion of microplastics, inhalation of toxic fumes, or contact with plastic products, especially during fetal development, infancy, and childhood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chemicals associated with plastics | More than 13,000 |
| Number of substances with hazardous properties | More than 3,200 |
| Chemicals of major concern | 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) |
| Chemicals with high toxicity | Polystyrene, PET, PFAS, toxic flame retardants, phthalates, antimony, vinyl, PVC/vinyl chloride, and bisphenol A (BPA) |
| Health concerns related to endocrine disruptors | Reproductive disorders, development dysfunction, behavioural disorders, thyroid problems, low birth weight, diabetes and obesity, asthma, breast and prostate cancers |
| Chemicals that can harm infants | Bisphenol A (BPA) |
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What You'll Learn
- Flame retardants: linked to cancer, lower IQ, hormone disruption, and thyroid problems
- Phthalates: classified as endocrine disruptors, toxic to reproduction, and harmful to infants
- Bisphenols: includes Bisphenol A (BPA), especially harmful to infants and banned in baby bottles in the EU
- Polystyrene: a carcinogen linked to leukaemia and lymphoma, commonly found in food packaging and consumer goods
- Vinyl: PVC and vinyl chloride cause cancer-causing air pollution and put communities and workers at risk
Flame retardants: linked to cancer, lower IQ, hormone disruption, and thyroid problems
Flame retardants are a class of chemicals that are added to plastics to improve their performance. These chemicals are toxic and can escape from plastic casings, polluting indoor air and exposing families through dust. They have been linked to several health issues, including cancer, lower IQ, hormone disruption, and thyroid problems.
Flame retardants have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can interfere with the body's hormones. Animal studies have shown that these chemicals can alter thyroid hormone levels and impact thyroid function. This is because flame retardants share a similar chemical structure with thyroid hormones.
Several studies have found a link between exposure to flame retardants and an increased risk of thyroid cancer. For example, one study collected dust samples from the homes of 140 individuals, 70 of whom had papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The researchers found that higher levels of certain flame retardants in house dust were associated with an increased likelihood of the resident having PTC. Another study sponsored by Duke University found that participants with high levels of the flame retardant BDE-209 in their house dust were more than twice as likely to have thyroid cancer than those with low concentrations.
In addition to thyroid issues, exposure to flame retardants has been linked to a lower IQ. This is particularly concerning as children can be exposed to these chemicals even before birth, as plastic ingredients have been found to contaminate breast milk. As a result, children's development may be impacted, and they may be exposed to hormone-disrupting chemicals during critical stages of growth.
The presence of flame retardants in plastics poses a serious risk to human health and the environment. These chemicals can leach into food, escape into indoor air, and be found in microplastics. As plastic use increases, the consequences become more severe, including polluted oceans and rising greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to reduce the use of toxic plastics and transition to safer materials to protect public health and the planet.
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Phthalates: classified as endocrine disruptors, toxic to reproduction, and harmful to infants
Plastic is a long-chain artificial polymer that is used worldwide, with a global production of 350 million tonnes per year. It has brought numerous benefits to society since its invention in 1907, but it also has many negative impacts on the environment and human health. People are constantly exposed to plastics via contaminated food, packaging leachates (e.g., water bottles and medical devices), atmospheric fallout, and personal care products (e.g., cosmetic packaging).
One of the dangerous chemical groups present in plastics is phthalates. Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemical esters of phthalic acid that are widely used in various consumer products, resulting in daily exposures for many adults and children. They are added to plastics to make them more flexible and durable. While phthalates have beneficial applications, they are also classified as endocrine disruptors, toxic to reproduction, and harmful to infants.
As endocrine disruptors, phthalates interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in the human body. They can accumulate in human tissues and have been detected in blood, amniotic fluid, and urine. Chronic exposure to phthalates can adversely affect the endocrine system and multiple organs, leading to long-term negative consequences on pregnancy success, child growth and development, and reproductive health in both young children and adolescents.
Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of phthalates due to their developing bodies and higher exposure levels. Several studies have linked childhood exposure to specific types of phthalates, such as di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), with an increased risk of allergic diseases, including asthma and eczema. In addition, gestational exposure to certain phthalates has been associated with alterations in infant physical development and behaviour.
To reduce the potential health risks associated with phthalates, some countries have established restrictions and regulations on their use. It is recommended that individuals concerned about phthalate exposure, especially pregnant women, reduce their use of plastic products, avoid using plastic for food storage, and consult with healthcare providers for guidance on reducing exposure to protect fetal and child development.
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Bisphenols: includes Bisphenol A (BPA), especially harmful to infants and banned in baby bottles in the EU
Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing of plastics. It has been used since the 1950s to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, often found in food containers, water bottles, and the lining of some metal food and drink cans.
BPA has been a cause for concern due to its potential health risks. Animal studies have linked high levels of BPA to infertility, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. While some studies in humans have found a correlation between BPA exposure and certain health issues, there is no direct evidence of causation. However, concerns about its effects on human health remain. BPA has also been associated with endocrine disorders, including infertility, precocious puberty, and metabolic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
BPA can enter the body through food and drinks, especially from canned goods, water bottles, baby bottles, and plastic utensils. It can also be passed on through breast milk. The temperature of liquids in polycarbonate bottles can impact the amount of BPA that leaches into the contents. Due to these concerns, the FDA asked manufacturers of baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula cans to stop using BPA. Many other water bottle and container manufacturers have also voluntarily eliminated BPA from their products.
To reduce exposure to BPA, individuals can limit their use of packaged foods that are not labeled "BPA-free" and opt for fresh, whole foods instead. It is worth noting that some "BPA-free" products use similar chemicals like bisphenol-S (BPS) or bisphenol-F (BPF), which may also have health risks and require further study. Avoiding plastics altogether, especially for food and beverage storage, is another way to minimize BPA exposure.
In recognition of the potential dangers of BPA, the EU has taken steps to protect infants by banning the use of BPA in baby bottles. This proactive measure ensures that baby bottles sold in the EU do not contain BPA, addressing the concerns about the potential health risks associated with this chemical.
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Polystyrene: a carcinogen linked to leukaemia and lymphoma, commonly found in food packaging and consumer goods
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to vinyl flooring, and its use has skyrocketed. Plastics are made from complex mixtures of chemicals, with “additives” causing the most concern for health. While many of these additives are useful and safe, some are toxic and can build up to high levels in animals. They can also be released into the environment during the manufacturing process, during use, or when the product becomes waste.
Polystyrene, a type of plastic commonly used in food packaging and consumer goods such as toys, electronics, and building materials, is derived from styrene. Styrene is a carcinogen linked to leukaemia and lymphoma. As such, polystyrene is one of the chemicals of concern in plastics.
Polystyrene is not the only dangerous chemical found in plastics. Other chemicals of concern include phthalates, flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), PFAS, vinyl, PET, and antimony. These chemicals have been linked to a myriad of potential health impacts, including reproductive disorders, developmental dysfunction, behavioural disorders, thyroid problems, low birth weight, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and breast and prostate cancers.
The dangers of these chemicals are not limited to human health. They also pose a serious danger to the environment, with PVC/vinyl, for example, causing cancer-causing air pollution and toxic plastic waste. The issue of chemical additives in plastics is so severe that organisations like Toxic-Free Future are campaigning to ban these dangerous chemicals and protect public health.
To address the concerns related to polystyrene and other dangerous chemicals in plastics, stronger regulations are needed. This includes implementing essential principles such as the precautionary principle and the polluter-pays principle, as well as ensuring full transparency on chemical content throughout the supply chain and towards consumers.
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Vinyl: PVC and vinyl chloride cause cancer-causing air pollution and put communities and workers at risk
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to vinyl flooring, and its use has skyrocketed. Plastics are made from complex mixtures of chemicals, which are added to change and improve their performance. While many of these chemicals are useful and safe, some are of high concern due to their hazardous properties. These chemicals of concern are released into the environment from plastics during manufacture, use, or disposal.
Vinyl flooring, in particular, poses a serious danger to human health and the environment. The production and incineration of PVC/vinyl have been linked to cancer-causing air pollution and toxic plastic waste. Vinyl chloride, a toxic ingredient used to make plastic products, can escape into the indoor air of our homes and is found in microplastics. Communities, especially those in proximity to incinerators and landfills, and workers involved in the production of vinyl are at risk of exposure to these dangerous chemicals.
PVC and vinyl chloride are not the only dangerous chemicals found in plastics. Other chemicals of concern include phthalates, bisphenols, flame retardants, PFAS, and heavy metals. These chemicals have been linked to a myriad of potential health impacts, including reproductive disorders, developmental dysfunction, behavioural disorders, thyroid problems, low birth weight, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and breast and prostate cancers.
The adverse impacts of chemicals in plastics on human health and the environment have been well-documented by scientific studies, and urgent action is needed to address this issue. Regulations and policies must be strengthened to protect communities and the environment from the dangers posed by these toxic chemicals.
To reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in vinyl and other plastics, individuals can opt for safer alternatives such as replacing vinyl flooring with linoleum. Additionally, organizations like Toxic-Free Future are working to ban these dangerous chemicals and protect public health.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 13,000 chemicals associated with plastics and plastic production, with ten groups of chemicals identified as being of major concern due to their toxicity and potential to migrate from plastics. These include:
- Flame retardants
- UV stabilizers
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
- Phthalates
- Bisphenols
- Alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates
- Biocides
- Certain metals and metalloids
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)
These chemicals have concerning properties, such as not easily breaking down and lasting a long time in the environment, being toxic, and accumulating to high levels in animals. They can impact human health and the environment, with potential adverse effects on women's and children's health, male fertility, and neurodevelopment.
Humans can be exposed to these chemicals through various routes, including:
- Food: Toxic ingredients in plastic packaging and containers can leach into our food.
- Indoor air: These chemicals can escape into the indoor air of our homes and be present in dust.
- Microplastics: They can be found in microplastics, which are ingested or inhaled.
- Breast milk: Even breast milk has been found to be contaminated with plastic ingredients.
Some specific harmful chemicals found in plastic include:
- Bisphenol A (BPA): This chemical is especially harmful to infants and young children, and its use in baby bottles has been banned in the EU.
- Phthalates: These are endocrine disruptors that can damage fertility and impact the unborn child.
- Polystyrene: Commonly used in food packaging and consumer goods, polystyrene is a carcinogen linked to leukemia and lymphoma.
- PVC and vinyl chloride: These chemicals put communities and the environment at risk through cancer-causing air pollution and toxic waste.
To avoid exposure, individuals can:
- Reduce plastic use: Switch to safer materials, such as glass bottles and linoleum flooring.
- Contact manufacturers: Ask product manufacturers or retailers about the chemical content of their plastic products.
- Advocate for change: Support organizations working to ban dangerous chemicals in plastic and push for stronger regulations at the local, national, and international levels.
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