Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, from food packaging to electronics, and it's no secret that it's harmful to the environment. But did you know that certain types of plastics are also toxic to human health? A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that 74% of 34 everyday plastic products tested were toxic in some way. The dangers of plastic toxicity range from endocrine disruption to cancer, and it's crucial to understand which types of plastics pose the greatest risks. From commonly used plastics like polystyrene and PVC to the lesser-known #3, #6, and #7 plastics, it's important to recognize the potential hazards of these materials and take steps to reduce our exposure to them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number | #1, #3, #6, #7 |
| Plastic Type | Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Toxins | Styrene, Bisphenol A (BPA), Lead, Phthalates, Mercury, Dioxins, Cadmium, Antimony Trioxide, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, 1,2-Dichloroethane, Ethylene Oxide, Lead Chromate, Methyl Acrylate, Methanol, Phthalic Anhydride, Tribasic Lead Sulfate |
| Health Risks | Cancer, Endocrine Disruption, ADHD, Asthma, Allergies, Infertility, Obesity, Metabolic Disorders, Neurological Damage, Reproductive Problems |
| Other Risks | Difficult to Recycle, Not Biodegradable, Contaminates Air, Water, and Communities |
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What You'll Learn
- Black plastics: can contain toxic chemicals like phthalates, flame retardants, and heavy metals
- Polystyrene: releases over fifty chemical byproducts during manufacturing, contaminating air and water
- PVC: contains numerous toxins that can leach throughout its entire life cycle, earning the name poison plastic
- PET: can leach toxins if exposed to sunlight or high temperatures, so products made from it should not be reused
- Plastics marked #7 with PLA: should be composted instead of recycled
Black plastics: can contain toxic chemicals like phthalates, flame retardants, and heavy metals
Black plastics are considered toxic for human health and are less recyclable than other plastics. They are often made from electronic waste or e-waste, such as old televisions, computers, phones, and cables. As a result, black plastics can contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and flame retardants, which can leach into food and drinks, posing a significant hazard to human health.
The dark pigment in black plastics cannot be "read" by optical sorters at recycling facilities, so they must be sorted manually, increasing sorting costs substantially. This makes black plastic less desirable for recyclers, and it often ends up in landfills and incinerators or contaminates the recycling of other plastics.
The toxic chemicals found in black plastic include phthalates, brominated flame retardants (BFRs), bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium, and mercury. These chemicals are not allowed in electronic devices like laptops and phones, but there are currently no government regulations covering the safety of recycled black plastic items. This means that high levels of these toxic chemicals are perfectly legal in black plastic utensils, containers, and toys.
Exposure to heat increases the likelihood of these toxic chemicals leaching into food and drinks, so it is recommended to avoid microwaving food in black plastic containers or using them for hot food and drinks. If black plastic must be used, it is important to check for BPA-free and phthalate-free labels to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting substances.
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Polystyrene: releases over fifty chemical byproducts during manufacturing, contaminating air and water
Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, is a highly toxic plastic. It is made from styrene monomers, which are derived from fossil fuels, and can be either rigid or foamed. During its production, over fifty chemical byproducts are released, contaminating the air, water, and communities that live and work near these facilities.
Styrene is a known carcinogen and is linked to serious health issues, including respiratory and eye irritation, vision and hearing loss, and impaired memory and concentration. It is also associated with an increased risk of developing leukemia and lymphoma. The production of styrene involves benzene and ethylbenzene, additional fossil fuel-based chemicals that are harmful to human health. Benzene is a known carcinogen linked to blood cancers and reproductive harm, while ethylbenzene is a possible human carcinogen, causing skin and eye irritation and organ damage in animal studies.
The use of polystyrene in food packaging is particularly concerning, as chemicals can leach into food and beverages, especially when they are hot, acidic, or high in fat. This increases the likelihood of exposure to harmful chemicals, which can have toxic effects on human health. Polystyrene is also difficult to recycle due to its complex chemical structure and contamination by food and drinks. When it ends up in landfills, it can be burned, releasing toxic chemicals into the air, or break down into microplastics that contaminate water sources.
To reduce the impact of polystyrene on the environment and human health, some states and retailers have started eliminating its use in food packaging. It is important to opt for safer alternatives and reduce overall plastic use to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.
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PVC: contains numerous toxins that can leach throughout its entire life cycle, earning the name poison plastic
Plastic toxicity is a rising concern, with 74% of plastic products tested in a study displaying some form of toxicity. Most plastics pose serious threats to human health and the environment, but Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic, commonly known as "vinyl", is one of the most widely-used types of plastics and is the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics. It is manufactured globally, with the US producing 10 million metric tons of PVC annually, and projected growth to 16 million metric tons by 2050.
PVC is toxic at every stage of its life cycle, from production to use and disposal. It is produced by combining chlorine with ethylene, which forms vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). VCM molecules are then polymerised to form PVC resin, and additives are incorporated to give the PVC certain properties. These additives include toxic plasticizers (such as phthalates), stabilizers containing dangerous heavy metals (such as lead), fungicides, and other toxic substances. These additives are not chemically bound to the PVC, so they can easily be transferred to other materials or lost to the air, causing immediate danger to consumers. For example, plasticizers have been shown to be directly transferred from PVC plastic "cling film" to food.
PVC is naturally rigid and does not perform well when exposed to heat or light. When burned, PVC and vinyl chloride can release phosgene, a lethal gas used as a chemical weapon in WWI, and hydrochloric acid, which is highly corrosive to the lungs. It also produces dioxins, long-lived chemicals that are toxic even in tiny amounts and are linked to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, nervous system disorders, and other serious health issues.
The production and use of PVC have had devastating impacts on communities, particularly low-income communities and communities of colour. Three communities in Louisiana founded by formerly enslaved people—Morrisonville, Reveilletown, and Mossville—have been poisoned and abandoned due to vinyl chloride and plastic production, with residents facing a significantly increased risk of developing cancer from air pollution. This area is now known as "Cancer Alley". The powerful vinyl lobby and the economics of oil and gas production have hindered efforts to replace and phase out PVC, despite the availability of safer alternatives for nearly all uses of this poison plastic.
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PET: can leach toxins if exposed to sunlight or high temperatures, so products made from it should not be reused
Plastic is everywhere, from containers for food and medicine to eyeglasses, toys, car parts, and household materials. With plastic toxicity becoming a rising concern, it is important to understand the types of plastics that are toxic and take precautions to protect our health and the environment.
One type of plastic that can leach toxins under certain conditions is Polyethylene Terephthalate, commonly known as PET or PETE. It is identified as #1 plastic and is the most commonly used plastic globally. PET is a good barrier against gas and moisture, keeping oxygen out and carbonation in, which makes it ideal for packaging food and drinks. However, when exposed to sunlight or high temperatures, PET can leach toxins, making it unsuitable for reuse. The porous surface of PET also allows bacteria and flavours to accumulate, further discouraging its reuse.
The toxicity of PET has been a concern for regulatory bodies and researchers alike. For example, the US Department of Health and Human Services has identified styrene, a component of polystyrene (another type of plastic), as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen". Similarly, the Food and Drug Administration has received petitions urging them to limit the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a highly toxic chemical found in plastic, in food packaging due to its links to various health issues.
To reduce exposure to PET toxins, it is recommended to avoid reusing products made from this plastic, especially if they have been exposed to sunlight or high temperatures. It is also important to properly dispose of or recycle PET products to prevent environmental contamination. While PET is recyclable and accepted by most curbside recycling programs, other types of plastic, such as polystyrene (#6 plastic), are more difficult to recycle and can take hundreds of years to decompose if not properly managed.
Overall, while PET is a commonly used plastic, its potential to leach toxins under certain conditions underscores the importance of cautious use and responsible disposal to safeguard human health and the environment.
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Plastics marked #7 with PLA: should be composted instead of recycled
Plastic toxicity is a rising concern, and it is important to know which types of plastics are toxic and how to dispose of them properly. A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that 74% of the everyday plastic products they tested were toxic in some way.
Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, is a highly toxic plastic that can be recycled, but it is difficult, and such programs are not widely available. Over fifty chemical byproducts are released during the manufacturing of polystyrene, contaminating the air, water, and communities near the facilities. Black plastics are another example of toxic plastics that can contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Exposure to heat increases the likelihood of these toxins leaching into food and drinks.
#7 plastics are a combination of various plastics and are difficult to recycle, but some can be recycled into plastic lumber and specialized products. However, if #7 plastics are marked with "PLA," they should be composted instead of recycled. PLA stands for polyactic acid, a bioplastic that is non-recyclable but can be composted. It is made from plant starch and is biodegradable and compostable. However, it is important to note that PLA needs to be industrially composted at specific pressures and temperatures, and it should not be placed in a home compost bin or with food waste.
To ensure proper disposal of PLA products, consumers can look for partnerships with organizations like GoZERO, which offer composting services for these items. It is also crucial to check for legitimate certifications from testing agencies, as some manufacturers use their own "compostable" symbols. While PLA is a greener alternative to petroleum-based products, proper disposal is key to fulfilling its environmental potential.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common types of toxic plastics are #3 PVC, #6 Polystyrene, and #7 PC plastics. These plastics are known to contain toxic chemicals such as phthalates, styrene, bisphenols, and heavy metals.
Toxic plastics can have a range of negative impacts on human health. Exposure to toxic chemicals in plastics has been linked to increased risks of cancer, reduced fertility, endocrine disruption, neurological damage, and problems with the development of reproductive organs.
Many everyday plastic products contain potentially toxic chemicals, including plastic wrap, bath mats, yogurt containers, and coffee cup lids. Food containers and personal care products can also contain toxic chemicals. It is important to reduce exposure to these products and opt for glass, metal, or bamboo alternatives whenever possible.
Plastic products are often marked with a recycling code, ranging from #1 to #7, which can help identify the type of plastic used. However, it's important to note that even "safe" plastics can contain toxic chemicals, so it's best to reduce overall plastic use and opt for reusable, environmentally friendly alternatives.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) are considered safer alternatives to other types of plastics. PP (Polypropylene) is also a safer option for food and drink use, as it can withstand high temperatures and is less likely to leach chemicals. However, it's important to note that even these safer plastics can still leach toxins under certain conditions, so caution should still be exercised.
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