Chemical additives in plastics: The invisible threats

Plastics can be found everywhere, from food containers to household goods. But what many don’t realize is that plastics contain chemical additives that enhance properties like flexibility, durability, and flame resistance. In plastic packaging alone, more than 4000 chemicals can be found. Although these additives offer benefits for any plastic items, some pose health risks that should not be overlooked.

These chemical additives are substances mixed into plastics to tailor their functionality and improve performance. Common types include plasticizers (for increased flexibility), flame retardants (for fire resistance), and stabilizers (for enhanced durability). While these are integral to plastic manufacturing, concerns arise when they end up in the environment or affect human health.

Plastic additives can migrate into food, beverages, or the air when plastics degrade. Microplastics, which result from plastic breakdown, often carry these additives, further raising human exposure through ingestion or inhalation. All humans, but especially infants and children, are vulnerable to contamination due to prolonged exposure to plastic-packaged products.

There are certain common additives that have been linked to adverse health effects. Phthalates, which are chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible and are widely used as plasticizers, have been associated with endocrine disruption, affecting hormonal balance and possibly contributing to reproductive issues. Similarly, flame retardants and bisphenols (such as Bisphenol A – BPA) are linked to developmental, reproductive, and neurological issues. Regular exposure to these additives raises concerns about their long-term health impacts.

As a result, global awareness should be raised around these risks, leading to regulatory changes to limit or ban certain additives. For example, the European Union has banned certain phthalates in toys and food contact materials from 2011[1]. So, continued research and regulatory reforms are essential for safer plastic use, pushing industries to adopt alternatives with minimal health risks.

In conclusion, as plastics remain integral to modern life, understanding the health effects of chemical additives is essential. Awareness and advocacy for safer alternatives can lead to healthier choices and, ultimately, a reduction in harmful exposures. Informed consumers and stringent regulations will be key in addressing these hidden risks, protecting public health, and encouraging a safer, circular economy.

Learn more about chemical additives in plastic by visiting the RESCUE platform: https://rescue.erasmus.site/courses/module-2-effects-of-plastic-use-on-human-health/lessons/subtopic-2-chemical-additives/

[1] https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/phthalates#:~:text=Since%20July%202011%2C%20all%20phthalates,toys%20and%20components%20of%20toys.&text=Old%20plastic%20items%20can%20still,longer%20allowed%20to%20be%20used.