Alexei Volkov
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to vinyl flooring, and it has become a staple in our daily lives. Plastics are made of 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 and have been linked to adverse health and environmental effects. These chemicals of concern are released from plastics during their entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to their disposal. With plastic use skyrocketing, the consequences are becoming increasingly severe, including polluted oceans, disposal challenges, and rising greenhouse gas emissions. The chemicals found in plastics include phthalates, flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), PFAS, heavy metals, and many others. These chemicals have been associated with a range of health issues, including endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, developmental dysfunction, behavioural disorders, thyroid problems, low birth weight, and various cancers. As awareness of the dangers of plastic chemicals grows, organisations are calling for stronger regulations and a transition to safer materials to protect public health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chemicals associated with plastics | 13,000 |
| Number of chemicals associated with plastics that have hazardous properties of concern | 3,200 |
| Number of groups of chemicals identified as being of major concern | 10 |
| Groups of chemicals identified as being 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 associated with plastics that have been linked to health issues | Bisphenol A (BPA), dioxins/furans, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)/brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, UV stabilizers, chlorinated paraffins, vinyl chloride, styrene, benzene, ethylbenzene |
| Chemicals associated with plastics that have been linked to environmental issues | Vinyl, polystyrene, PET, PFAS, toxic flame retardants, phthalates, antimony |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic additives: chemicals added to plastics to change their properties, e.g. flexibility, colour, heat resistance
- Health impacts: exposure to plastic chemicals is linked to various health issues, including cancers and developmental disorders
- Environmental impact: plastic chemicals pollute the environment, affecting ecosystems and communities, especially during production and disposal
- Hazardous chemicals: certain chemicals in plastics are highly toxic and hazardous, e.g. dioxins, PBDEs, and PFAS
- Regulation: stronger regulations are needed to address the use of toxic chemicals in plastics and
Plastic additives: chemicals added to plastics to change their properties, e.g. flexibility, colour, heat resistance
Plastic additives are chemicals added to plastics to enhance their properties, such as mechanical strength, surface quality, and processability. These additives can be used to improve flexibility, colour, and heat resistance, among other things.
Plasticizers are additives that increase the flexibility of rigid plastics. They are commonly used in products like PVC cables and flexible containers. Impact modifiers are another type of additive that improves impact resistance and are crucial for applications requiring high strength and durability, such as automotive components.
To enhance the colour and aesthetic appeal of plastic products, manufacturers often add nucleating agents and optical brighteners. These additives improve the transparency and gloss of the plastic, making it more visually appealing.
Heat-resistant additives, or heat stabilizers, are used to prevent the decomposition of polymers during processing. They also prevent degradation and discolouration of the plastics due to high temperatures. Heavy metal salts of lead, tin, barium, calcium, zinc, or organotin compounds are commonly used as heat stabilizers.
Other additives, such as diluents and fillers, are used to lower production costs without sacrificing plastic quality. Fillers like calcium carbonate increase bulk and reduce overall material costs. Blowing agents are additives that create a foam structure, making them ideal for insulation or cushioning, while coupling agents improve adhesion between different materials, enhancing structural integrity.
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Health impacts: exposure to plastic chemicals is linked to various health issues, including cancers and developmental disorders
Plastic is everywhere—in our food, beverages, and daily life products. It contains a range of chemicals that are added to change and improve its performance. While many of these chemicals are useful and safe, some are hazardous and can be released into the environment during manufacture, use, or disposal. These chemicals of concern do not easily break down, persist in the environment, are toxic, and can accumulate in animals.
People are exposed to these chemicals through plastic products, food and beverage packaging, plastic-based medical supplies, the food chain, and airborne plastic pollution. Recent studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, and placenta. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to various health issues, including cancers and developmental disorders.
Bisphenols and phthalates, two types of chemicals found in a wide range of packaged foods, are of particular concern. These chemicals disrupt the endocrine or hormone system, leading to neurodevelopmental problems, metabolic disorders, and reproductive issues. Exposure to endocrine disruptors has been associated with low birth weight, impaired fertility, maternal breast cancer risk, and problems with brain development in children.
Other health concerns related to endocrine disruptors include thyroid problems, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and prostate cancer. Microplastics may act as carriers of toxic chemicals into the human body, and their presence in various tissues can cause inflammation leading to further health issues. Researchers have linked microplastic exposure to male fertility issues, biomarkers of colon and gut cancer, and potential respiratory problems.
The health impacts of plastic chemicals are far-reaching, and the true extent of their harm may not yet be fully understood. Stronger regulations are needed to protect human health and the environment from the toxic effects of these chemicals.
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Environmental impact: plastic chemicals pollute the environment, affecting ecosystems and communities, especially during production and disposal
Plastics contain a range of chemicals that are added to improve their performance. Some of these chemicals are useful and safe, while others are of high concern due to their persistence in the environment, toxicity, and ability to accumulate in animals. These "chemicals of concern" are released during the manufacture, use, and disposal of plastic products, leading to significant environmental and health impacts.
During the production of plastics, various chemicals are used, with some being labeled as priority pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The refining of fossil fuels, such as gas and petroleum, into plastics contributes to climate change. The global production of plastic has increased significantly, with approximately 460 million metric tons produced annually, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. This mass production has led to a corresponding increase in plastic pollution, affecting all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.
Plastic waste, including lightweight single-use products and packaging materials, often ends up in landfills, where it can take up to 1,000 years to degrade. During this slow degradation process, plastics leach toxic substances, including additives such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), into the soil and water. These additives are known for their hormonal effects, disrupting the hormone systems of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic, can also interact with soil fauna, impacting their health and soil functions. Terrestrial microplastic pollution has been found to decrease species diversity and affect soil conditions.
The disposal of plastic waste through incineration releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including carbon dioxide, dioxins, and methane. Additionally, the global trade of plastic products and waste to regions with insufficient infrastructure for safe environmental management exacerbates the problem. Plastic pollution has far-reaching consequences, impacting human health, economies, and ecosystems. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, placentas, food, and drinks, posing health risks such as developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders.
To address the environmental impact of plastic chemicals, collective action on a global scale is necessary. Initiatives such as the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Paris Agreement aim to reduce plastic production, phase out harmful subsidies, and eliminate products containing chemicals of concern. The protection and restoration of biodiversity must be incorporated into legally binding control measures to effectively tackle plastic pollution and its effects on ecosystems and communities.
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Hazardous chemicals: certain chemicals in plastics are highly toxic and hazardous, e.g. dioxins, PBDEs, and PFAS
Plastic is a versatile material used in a wide range of products, from household items to industrial applications. While plastic has brought numerous benefits, certain chemicals in plastics are highly toxic and hazardous to human health and the environment. Among these harmful substances are dioxins, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
PBDEs are a class of organobromine compounds used as flame retardants. They have been widely used in various products, including plastics, due to their fire-resistant properties. However, PBDEs have been found to have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. These chemicals can be released into the air, water, soil, and even the human digestive system through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. While governments have asserted that PBDE exposure in assessed amounts is not harmful, their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in the body are concerning. PBDEs can remain in the body for extended periods, stored in fat, and can even cross the placenta, impacting unborn children.
PFAS chemicals, on the other hand, are created during the production of certain plastics, such as fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers. PFAS have been detected in liquid products like pesticides, and there is concern that they can continue to migrate over time. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action to prevent PFAS from being present in everyday plastic containers, as exposure to these chemicals poses risks to human health. PFAS contamination has also been found in a mosquitocide stored in a plastic container, highlighting the potential for PFAS to leach into other products.
The presence of dioxins in plastics further adds to the toxicity concerns. Dioxins are highly toxic and persistent organic pollutants that can have severe health impacts, including carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects. The combination of these hazardous chemicals in plastics underscores the importance of regulating and reducing their use to protect human health and the environment.
While the specific mechanisms of toxicity for each chemical may vary, the overall impact is clear: these chemicals pose significant risks that cannot be ignored. It is crucial that measures are taken to minimize human exposure and environmental contamination, whether through stricter regulations, alternative chemical processes, or increased awareness about the safe handling and disposal of plastics.
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Regulation: stronger regulations are needed to address the use of toxic chemicals in plastics and protect human health and the environment.
Plastic refers to a wide range of synthetic chemical substances that can be moulded or shaped for various uses. Plastics are made of complex mixtures of chemicals, known as "additives", which are not bound to the plastic material itself. Many of these additives are toxic and have been associated with adverse health and environmental effects. For instance, chemicals of concern in plastics, such as phthalates, PFAS, and bisphenols, have been linked to reproductive disorders, developmental dysfunction, behavioural disorders, thyroid problems, low birth weight, and various other health issues.
The production and disposal of plastics release hazardous chemicals, such as benzene and ethylbenzene, which disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of colour. Additionally, toxic chemicals like styrene, a known carcinogen, are commonly found in polystyrene plastics used for food packaging and consumer goods. These toxic chemicals can escape into indoor air, contaminate food, and pose serious risks to human health.
To address these concerns, stronger regulations are indeed necessary to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals in plastics. The "Turning the Plastic Tide" report outlines recommendations for regulators, including the need to regulate substances in groups rather than individually, ensuring transparency in chemical content, and implementing essential EU principles such as the precautionary principle.
Furthermore, initiatives like Toxic-Free Future are advocating for government and market policies to reduce the use of toxic plastics and dangerous chemical additives. They support prevention-based policies, including ingredient transparency, assessment of chemical hazards, and bans on the most hazardous substances. Some companies, such as Amazon, have also committed to phasing out specific toxic chemicals in their products.
Regulators and policymakers must work together to eliminate these harmful chemicals and protect public health and the environment. This includes addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal, to ensure a transition to a non-toxic and sustainable circular economy.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the chemicals found in plastics include phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), flame retardants, heavy metals, PFAS, and many others.
No, many chemicals used in plastics are of low concern. However, some plastics do contain high-concern chemical additives that can be harmful to human health and the environment.
Chemicals of concern are released into the environment during the various stages of plastic's life cycle, including during the extraction of raw materials, production of polymers, manufacturing of plastic products, use, and disposal.
