Plastic Chemicals
Over 16,000 chemicals are known to be found in plastic. 5 major categories of plastic chemicals are present in the research at systematic review level. See below what the function of these chemicals is, and in what plastic products they are commonly found.
Bisphenols
Bisphenols are the primary building blocks (monomers) used to create polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, and they also function as a "hardening agent" in other plastics. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been the main type used, but due to growing safety concerns, the use of other bisphenols is increasing. These chemicals have been found in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), and polycarbonate (PC) plastic materials.
Exposure to bisphenols often occurs through the use of these products:
- Food storage containers
- Drink bottles
- Picnic wear
- Teething toys
- Coatings inside metal products, such as food cans and bottle tops
- Polyester (which clothes can be made from)
- Thermal receipts
Phthalates
Phthalates are commonly employed as plasticisers to make plastics flexible. They are frequently used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and have been detected in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), and polycarbonate (PC) plastic materials.
Exposure to phthalates often occurs through the use of these products:
- Children’s toys
- Clothing
- Food packaging and processing materials
- Medical devices such as IV bags and tubing
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Vinyl floor coverings and other building products
- Flexible PVC pipes
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
PCBs are a class of chemicals that were previously used as flame retardants in some plastics, as well as in electrical equipment and other industrial applications. These are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), meaning they persist in the environment for extended periods, spread widely, accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms, and are toxic to both humans and wildlife. PCBs are banned in most parts of the world.
Exposure to PCBs often occurs through the use of these products:
- Electrical waste (e-waste) (e.g. old transformers, capacitors, cable insulation)
- Old plastics
- Paints
- Fluorescent light fixtures
- Old industrial rubbers
PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers)
PBDEs are a class of chemicals used as flame retardants in some plastics. They have been detected in polyurethane (PU) foams, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS) plastic materials.
Exposure to PBDEs often occurs through the use of these products:
- TV and computer casing/housings
- Wire and cable sheathing
- Some electrical appliances
- Insulation
- Textiles
- Car seats
- Infant mattresses
- Furniture foams
- Rebonded carpet padding
- Paints and coatings
- Printed circuit boards (found in electrical devices)
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
PFAS are frequently called "forever chemicals" because they take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down in the environment. They are utilized as coatings to repel water, grease, and stains, and are also found in fire-fighting foams. PFAS have been detected in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyamide (PA) plastic materials. PFAS can also form within the contents of plastic containers that have undergone surface fluorination, a chemical process designed to make the packaging less porous.
Exposure to PFAS often occurs through the use of these products:
- Non-stick cookware
- Plastic food packaging
- Grease-resistant food packaging (e.g., some paperboard packaging)
- Cosmetics
- Water and stain resistant coatings for clothes, furniture, carpets and car seats
- Adhesives and sealants
