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Plastics are among the most commonly used processed chemical products globally. In fact, according to Halden (2010), the annual world production of plastics was at 300 million tonnes in 2010. Thus, plastic products are very vital and of daily used in the household or by individuals. As such, if something is wrong in the processing and chemical make-up of plastics, the implications can be serious and widespread. Typically, all plastics are polymers of some types and as chemicals the controversy over their safety cannot be unfounded.

As polymers, plastics are highly diverse in chemical composition, properties and possible applications and are widespread in the society and environment. From their composition, a number of chemical components plastics are made of are hazardous to human health and the environment (Lithner, 2011). These chemicals may be discharged when plastic containers are degraded during their usage life cycle. Although plastic polymers are not considered toxic, recent studies has shown that plastic products may contain non-bound residual monomers, polymerisation chemicals and additives or could release degradation products which are toxic in their chemical properties (Lithner, 2011).This study examines the possible toxicity of plastic containers which may manifest as environmental and health hazards of chemicals in plastic polymers and products.

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A review of recent scientific literature on toxicity of plastics shows that plastics actually present a number of environmental and health hazards in three common ways; (i) direct toxicity as in the cases of lead, cadmium and mercury, (ii) carcinogens as in the case of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and (iii) endocrine disruption which can lead to cancers, birth defects, immune system suppression and developmental problems in children (Lithner, 2011). In the third category, for example, Bisphenol-A (BPA), found in plastics, is known to disrupt hormones such as estrogen in the body, leading to weight gain and hormone imbalance (Halden, 2010). On the other hand, Phthalates, particularly in men and boys especially those exposed in utero, are considered harmful through immune system impairment, reduced testosterone, infertility and many other problems. As such, the European Union banned them in 2005 and many other countries have followed suit. Experimental studies have shown that plastics leach these chemical components into liquids such as water contained in plastic containers (Katie, 2017).

By examining recent literature, this study reports substantial consensus on the possible toxicity of plastics and makes recommendations thereof. Considering the extensive dispersion in the society and the environment, the growing production, and the release and use of many hazardous chemicals in plastics, it is important to further assess exhaustively the risks of chemicals associated with plastic polymers and products.

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There is a lot of controversy on plastic food containers especially in hard plastic bottle where it contains Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is used as a chemical to harden the plastic for commercialization of the product and it may pose a health hazard to human. Some scientists made researches on the effect of BPA in animal and the result was that BPA acts as an endocrine disrupter where, when introduced into the body, it will mimic the body’s natural hormones. According to the animal studies, the BPA affects the estrogens balance in the body (National Capital Poison Center, 2012).

In addition, there is another potential endocrine disruptor which has been related to the breast cancer for women and decrease in sperm counts in men, diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA) may be found in low density

Besides BPA, phthalates also available in most of the commercialized products and it is most often used in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) as plasticizer. A US study found the connection between the risk of obesity and diabetes with the exposure of phthalates (Oakenfull, 2014).  In addition, research found out that there is a connection between the obstruction in bronchial and increase in asthma with the usage of plastics that consists of phthalates (Exposure to Environmental Hazards, 2003).

Lastly, epoxidation of soybean oil, ESBO is also frequently used as stabilizers and plasticizers for PVC resins. Even though ESBO is a good substitute of phthalates, it will reacts with hydrogen chloride due to its epoxy structure to form chlorohydrins. ESBO alone is not sufficient to stabilize the PVC ( Medical Polymer, 2003). ESBO can be toxic and easily be detected in foods.

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CODE:  1

Type of Plastic: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Uses:  Bottles for softdrink, jars and lightweight wine bottles

Risks: Not known

CODE: 2

Type of Plastic: High density polyethylene (HDPE)

Uses: Bottles for milk, cups for yoghurt and plastic bag of cereal packets.

Risks: Not known

CODE:  3

Type of Plastic: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Uses: Cling wrap, clear plastic container, bottles and seal gasket of glass jar

Risks: Contain plasticizer such as phthalates that can migrate into foods

CODE:  4

Type of Plastic: Low density polyethylene (LDPE)

Uses: Cling wrap, bags for frozen foods and bread and plastic container

Risks: Not known

CODE:  5

Type of Plastic: Polypropylene (PP)

Uses: Container for margarine, bottle caps and food storage boxes

Risks: Not known

CODE:  6

Type of Plastic: Polystyrene (PS)

Uses: Cups for drinking, polystyrene foam as well as lightweight trays

Risks: Low risks but there is possible health risks from styrene monomer

CODE:  7

Type of Plastic: Polycarbonate

Uses: Infants’ bottles, reusable water bottles and bottles for condiments

Risks: May release BPA into food or drink.

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Effect of storage temperature on the toxic release

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Effect of storage temperature on the toxic release

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According to studies, in general the toxins tend to leech/migrate aggressively into foods that is made up of more than 4% of oil or fat when heated. Meanwhile, less fatty or oily foods are unlikely to be contaminated by the plasticizers.

As plasticizers are oil-soluble, meats and cheeses are among the foods that can be contaminated by plasticizers such as DEHA, phthalates and few more others due to its fat content of the food.

In another studies, when old and new bottles filled with hot boiling water, both released BPA amount 55 times greater than it did with cold water.

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Throughout this study, we have made it clear that the controversy regarding possible toxicity of plastic containers are real. Based from our findings, we found that the BPA contains in hard plastic bottles give negative impacts to the users. The BPA and phthalates potentially can damage human’s reproductive system, interfere with estrogen and other reproductive hormones.

There are a lots of preventive actions that hasve been done in order to minimize these issues. For example, an action taken by regulators to establish a more systematic research program to identify and deal with the risks of chemicals in plastic containers. Indeed, a few awareness campaign conducted to spread awareness towards consumers about the danger and toxicity of plastics bottles and containers. The European Union and some states of the US have phased out the use of BPA in some product and they also have taken steps to reduce human’s exposure to BPA in the food supply. An action of supporting the industry’s actions to stop producing BPA- containing baby bottles and infant feeding cups for US market and supporting the efforts to stop producing BPA based in food cans linings and replace BPA used.

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As mentioned above, even though a significant steps has been taken by the regulators yet the consumers are the ones who deal and are exposed to the danger of plastics. We strongly believe by following these actions or these recommendations, we/consumers would be able to protect ourselves/themselves from dangers of plastics. This knowledge is vital as we have power to protect ourselves, our resources and future generations.

1.      Keep identifying the type of plastic from its identification code every time when dealing or buying plastic’s product or plastic packaging.

2.      Stop consuming plastic bottle and use your own glass or unlined stainless steel water bottles. However, be careful when choosing glass or a stainless steel water bottle since some of them contain a plastic liner, which may contain BPA.

3.      Minimize hard plastics such as hard plastic spoons, blenders, plastic cutting board and plastic cup in your kitchen since these items regularly come into contact with both foods and heat.

4.      Bring your own food containers to shop to avoid using any plastic containers when cooking or reheating food in a microwave oven.

5.      Avoid reuse of plastic bottles with the symbol 7 or look for products labels that say “BPA-free” as regularly washing and heating the polycarbonate bottle can increase the amount of BPA.

6.       Check the nutrition information fact on the label and avoid any product with more than 4g of fat per 100g of food as plasticizers are more likely to migrate into food that contain more than about four percent oil or fat.

7.      Limit canned foods and beverages since most of the food and beverage cans contain BPA especially for acidic food cans.

8.      Avoid cooking in non-stick pans and eating foods packaged with non-stick plastics

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Which Plastics Are Safe- - Green Living[via torchbrowser.com]

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Alden, R. U. (2010). Plastics and Health Risks.

Katie. (2017, March 20). Dangers of plastics. Retrieved from Wellness Mama: https://wellnessmama.com/23757/dangers-of-plastic/

Lithner, D. (2011). Environmental and health hazards of chemicals in plastic polymers and products.

Soloway, R.A.G. (2010). BPA and the controversy about plastic food container. Retrieved from http://www.poison.org/articles/2010-mar/plastic-containers-are-they-harmful

Oakenfull, D. (2014). Is plastic food packaging dangerous? Retrieved from https://www.choice.com.au/food-and-drink/food-warnings-and-safety/plastic/articles/plastics-and-food

Aschwander, C. (2009). The toxic chemical in plastic. Retrieved from http://www.oprah.com/health/the-toxic-chemicals-in-plastic

Oakenfull, D. (2014). The danger of plasticisers. Retrieved from https://www.choice.com.au/food-and-drink/food-warnings-and-safety/plastic/articles/plasticiser-danger-in-food

Phthalates: harmful effect of the agent. Retrieved from http://enhs.umn.edu/current/5103/phth/harmful.html

Geo. Plastics water bottles exposed to heat can be toxic. Retrieved from http://drgeo.com/plastic-water-bottles-exposed-to-heat-can-be-toxic/

Boyle, L.K. (2014). Plastic is food poisoning. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-kaas-boyle/plastic-is-food-poisoning_b_5219189.html

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