Study finds toxic chemicals in recycled plastic

In a recent study titled "Widespread Chemical Contamination of Recycled Plastic Pellets Globally," conducted by the IPEN global network, alarming findings have emerged regarding the pervasive presence of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets. The study highlights the presence of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets, which are used to create recycled plastic products. 

Toxic chemicals in recycled plastic

According to the study, none of the samples collected from various recycling facilities across 24 countries were free from chemical contamination. More than half of the samples contained 11 or more of the 18 targeted chemicals, with 17 samples harbouring five or more endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This widespread contamination raises significant concerns about the safety of recycled plastic products.

The study revealed the presence of various toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets, including pesticides like Bisphenol A (BPA), brominated flame retardants, UV suppressants, and others. Notably, none of these chemicals are typically used in HDPE (High Density Polyethylene).

Toxic Links, a not-for-profit body based in Delhi, sent two samples from the Bawana Industrial Area in Delhi. The study included data from India, where two samples were collected and analyzed. In one sample, 13 out of 18 chemicals were detected, including 6 out of 11 brominated flame retardants and 6 out of 6 UV stabilizers. The presence of these chemicals, along with others such as Bisphenol A, underscores the urgent need for stringent regulations and oversight in the recycling industry.

In another sample analyzed from India, a staggering 224 chemicals were detected, with 30 chemicals found at higher concentrations. These chemicals included pesticides like chlorpyrifos (banned under the Stockholm convention), plasticizers, and surfactants, highlighting the extensive contamination present in recycled plastic pellets.

"Many chemicals found in plastics are released during their production, use, recycling, and disposal. This makes plastics a significant source of human exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental contamination throughout their lifespan... For instance, several of these chemicals are known to disrupt the endocrine system, resulting in health issues such as reproductive problems, early onset of puberty in females, certain cancers, and neurobehavioral disorders," the report said.

Subsequently, an additional 28 samples from 13 countries underwent analysis. The findings revealed a concerning discovery: a total of 500 chemicals were detected across the samples.  Alarmingly, over half of the samples (54%) contained 11 or more chemicals, indicating widespread contamination of recycled plastic pellets with various toxic substances. 

The report stated,

"An effective technique used in many countries to separate types of plastic is the flotation/density separation method. Bromine-treated plastics and polycarbonate have different densities than HDPE, which means that they will sink in freshwater when HDPE can float. However, the samples from India still contained all three types of chemicals, indicating that no such sorting was conducted."

Recommendations 

The study recommends several crucial steps to tackle the widespread contamination of recycled plastic pellets with harmful chemicals. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of employing technological innovations to enhance the safety of plastic recycling processes.

The study underscores the necessity of regulating the trade of plastic products containing chemicals. Moreover, it suggests that labelling plastic products with their chemical composition can aid in identifying toxicity, thereby facilitating safer recycling practices. 

The report emphasizes the urgent need for regulations to control and mitigate the presence of toxic chemicals in plastic materials, aiming to protect both human health and the environment.

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