Sofia Martinez
Plastics are made of artificial polymers that comprise a string of monomers derived from oil. The polymers consist of numerous, very long chains of atoms. Any smell won’t come from these polymers but must be from small molecules that are volatile at room temperatures. These could be additives, left-over monomers from the polymerisation process, or breakdown products. Non-rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) contains plasticizers such as phthalates, which have noticeable odours and are added to make a rigid polymer flexible. Plasticizers such as bisphenols can be smelled and tasted by humans and can also mimic oestrogen. In some cases, an odourising substance is added to the plastic to cover other smells.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of plastic smell | Common plastics exude their more volatile components, such as plasticizers like bisphenols and phthalates. |
| Residual chemicals from manufacturing, such as additives, stabilizers, plasticizers, and dyes, can also leave persistent odors. | |
| Plastic products can absorb external odors from food, chemicals, or smoke. | |
| Products commonly associated with plastic smell | Plastic bin bags |
| Water bottles | |
| Grocery bags | |
| Products from China | |
| Compounds suspected to cause plastic smell | Tetrachloroethylene |
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) |
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What You'll Learn
Plasticisers such as phthalates and bisphenols
Plasticisers are chemical additives used to make plastic more flexible and durable. The most common plasticisers are phthalates and bisphenols, such as Bisphenol-A (BPA). These plasticisers are often found in plastic products, including food and beverage containers, children's items, and cosmetics.
Phthalates are pronounced "THAL-ates" and are known for making plastic soft and flexible. They are commonly found in car interiors, shower curtains, deodorant, cosmetics, medical devices, and children's products such as toys, rattles, and teething rings. Phthalates have a noticeable odour and can be detected by smell. Exposure to phthalates has been associated with adverse health effects, particularly on the liver, kidney, and male and female reproductive systems.
Bisphenols, including BPA, are used in making clear, shatter-resistant plastic like polycarbonate plastic. This type of plastic is used in various products, including bottles, eyeglasses, sports safety equipment, and food storage containers. Bisphenols can leach from plastic into food and liquids, especially when heated or used for extended periods. They are also endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone production and regulation, leading to potential health risks such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, birth defects, and infertility.
Both phthalates and bisphenols are ubiquitous in our environment and can be found in our food. Growing evidence suggests that these chemicals may pose health risks, even at low levels. However, the specific health effects of these chemicals are still being studied, and more research is needed to understand their impact on human health fully.
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
VOCs can be released from plastic throughout its expected lifetime due to factors like thermal stress and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, even under ambient conditions. The degradation of polymers, especially under the influence of heat and UV light, is a well-known source of VOC emissions. For example, the degradation of polyolefins generates VOCs such as lactones, esters, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
The release of VOCs from plastics has potential environmental and health impacts. VOCs play a key role in atmospheric chemistry, contributing to complex photochemical reactions and the formation of airborne particles. Many VOCs are toxic and can have short- and long-term effects on human health, as well as negative consequences for ecosystems and biota, including vegetal species.
Addressing VOC emissions is crucial in maintaining the reliability of antimicrobial plastic products. BioCote®, for instance, specializes in optimizing plastic products with antimicrobial solutions and offers a range of antimicrobial additives to enhance the performance of engineering plastics and commodity polymers.
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Residual chemicals from manufacturing
The new plastic smell is often attributed to the presence of residual chemicals from the manufacturing process. While plastics are typically made of inert materials, they can still exude volatile components, such as plasticizers (e.g., bisphenols and phthalates), that possess distinct odours. These additives are used to impart flexibility to the plastic or are leftover monomers from the polymerization process. For example, non-rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) contains phthalates, which are added to make a rigid polymer flexible, and their odour can be detected by some individuals.
Additionally, the manufacturing process may leave trace amounts of other substances, such as catalyzers, co-polymers, or modifiers, which contribute to the overall scent of new plastic. In some cases, manufacturers might add odourizing substances to mask other undesirable smells arising from the production process. These odours can be challenging to remove, even with various cleaning methods.
The intensity of the new plastic smell can vary, and it is often noticed in cheap products, particularly those sourced from certain countries. The consistent odour across a range of products suggests that it is not an isolated occurrence, and many people have experienced it. While there is no definitive identification of the exact chemical causing this odour, it has sparked campaigns to address the issue, such as the "Campaign to Halt the Import of Chemical-Emitting Smelly Plastic from China."
The new plastic smell has also been observed in recycled plastic products, which can contain odorous residues from their previous use or the recycling process itself. This presents a challenge in promoting the use of recycled plastics, as the residual odours may be off-putting to consumers. To address this issue, researchers have employed various analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, to identify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the undesirable odours. These methods help in characterizing recycled materials and ensuring they meet health and safety standards.
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Absorption from external odours
Plastic products are porous and can absorb external odours. Food odours, chemicals, or smoke can be absorbed into some plastics. This is especially true of plastic food containers, which can retain the odour even after washing.
One user on Stack Exchange describes how they bought a backpack that "impregnated clothes and even the room with closed doors" with its smell. Another user describes how they bought a hard drive that "reeked" of a "toxic plastic" smell.
The absorption of external odours is one of the root causes of plastic odours. Once the root cause is identified, effective measures can be taken to eliminate the odour.
There are several methods to remove bad smells from plastic containers. One method is to use baking soda and water to make a paste, which is then rubbed all over the inside of the container and left for a day or two before being washed off. Another method is to use lemon juice or a cut lemon to scrub the surface of the plastic. A third method is to use activated charcoal, which is placed inside the plastic container, and left for 24-48 hours. The charcoal will absorb the plastic smell.
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Additives to cover other smells
Plastic is an inert substance, but it can still give off a strong smell and even a taste. This is because plastics exude their more volatile components—plasticizers such as bisphenols, for example, which can be smelled and tasted by humans. There are at least three sources of odour in plastics:
Firstly, the residual monomer that makes up the plastic (a polymer). Secondly, the residual of some other substance used during the manufacturing process (a catalyst, co-polymers, modifiers, etc.). And lastly, an odourizing substance that is added to the plastic to cover other smells.
The odour of plastic is quite distinct and sets itself apart from other common household odours. It can be alarming to walk into a room and be greeted by an unexpected burning plastic smell. This could be caused by faulty appliances, HVAC systems, or dirt and grime buildup, or gas leaks in HVAC systems.
Some plastic products, particularly those that are cheap, have a strong tangy odour. This is likely due to the type of plastic used, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), commonly used for beverage bottles due to its lightweight nature and good tensile strength. However, PET is not odour-impermeable and can pick up minute quantities of odorous chemicals during shipping or storage, leading to an unpleasant smell and taste in the water.
To cover up other smells, some manufacturers add an odourizing substance to the plastic. In Italy and the EU, certain compounds are banned as residuals in commercial products. However, in other places, it is common to add a cheap orange flavour to plastic to mask other smells.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics can smell due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate and leave an odour at room temperature. These VOCs can be additives, leftover monomers from the polymerisation process, or breakdown products.
Some examples include phthalates, bisphenol A, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
It is believed that the intensity of the smell is related to the quality of the plastic, with cheaper plastics having a stronger odour. This may be due to inferior manufacturing processes used to save costs.
Yes, there are several methods to reduce or eliminate plastic smells, including using baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, or activated charcoal.
