RECYCLED PLASTICS: CREATING HEALTH CONCERNS

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 RECYCLED PLASTICS: CREATING HEALTH CONCERNS  





Recycled plastic, often seen as a solution to the plastic pollution crisis, may introduce new risks because of its chemicals. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Leipzig have found that a single pellet of recycled polyethylene plastic can leach more than 80 chemicals into water. Their study shows that these chemicals can disrupt hormone systems and fat metabolism in zebrafish larvae, raising questions about the safety of recycled plastics.

The team bought recycled polyethylene plastic pellets from various locations worldwide. They soaked these pellets in water for 48 hours and then exposed zebrafish larvae to the water for five days. The fish showed changes in gene expression related to fat metabolism, fat cell development, and hormonal regulation. According to Azora König Kardgar, lead author and ecotoxicologist at the University of Gothenburg, even short exposure times were enough to alter the fish’s physiology and health.

This unpredictability is a major problem for plastic recycling. Plastics often contain thousands of chemical additives, many of which are not disclosed and can be hazardous. Some are known to interfere with hormones and can affect reproductive health, child development, cancer risk, obesity, and diabetes. Since it’s rarely possible to know which chemicals are present in recycled plastics, the process can result in products with unknown and potentially toxic mixtures.

The researchers also analyzed the chemicals that leached from the pellets. They found a mix of typical plastic additives like UV stabilizers and plasticizers and substances not intended for plastics, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and biocides. These may have entered the plastics during their first use before recycling, highlighting the challenges of tracking and managing chemical contamination in plastic waste streams.

As international negotiations continue for a Global Plastics Treaty, the scientists call for stronger rules banning or reducing hazardous chemicals in plastics and for improved transparency throughout the plastics supply chain. They argue that recycling plastics safely and sustainably is impossible without addressing these chemical risks.

Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely produced plastic commonly used in packaging, bottle caps, plastic bags, agricultural films, insulation, pipes, ropes, toys, and household items. It is identified by recycling codes 2 or 4.

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