polyethylene health risks

Adverse Health Effects of Plastics

Plastic	Common Uses	Adverse Health Effects
Polyvinylchloride (#3PVC)	Food packaging, plastic wrap, containers ...	Can cause cancer, birth defects, genetic ...
Phthalates (DEHP, DINP, and others)	Softened vinyl products manufactured wit ...	Endocrine disruption, linked to asthma, ...
Polycarbonate, with Bisphenol A (#7)	Water bottles	Scientists have linked very low doses of ...
Polystyrene	Many food containers for meats, fish, ch ...	Can irritate eyes, nose and throat and c ...

Apr 25 2022

Full Answer

What are the dangers of polyethylene?

polyethylene from everyday use of consumer products made from polyethylene resins. Swallowing small polyethylene plastic items can cause choking. Plastic film products can be an asphyxiation hazard if misused to cover the face. Health Information

Why is polyethylene dangerous?

Toxic chemicals leach out of plastic and are found in the blood and tissue of nearly all of us. Exposure to them is linked to cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption and other ailments.

Does polyethylene cause cancer?

Polyethylene may cause slight skin irritation, asthma, and even cancer. Polyethylene, if inhaled, may cause proximal scleroderma, Raynaud phenomenon, joint involvement, pulmonary manifestation, and esophageal involvement in some people.

Is polyethylene toxic to humans?

The impact on human health and the environment caused by plastics containing toxic chemicals is especially high in low- and middle-income countries that rarely produces these plastics themselves. These plastics should not be recycled but instead be considered a non-circular material."

Is polyethylene toxic to humans?

Thorough evaluation of human toxicological data of polyethylene demonstrates that this product poses a low risk under intended use conditions. In workplace processing of polyethylene, contact with fine dusts and heated fumes may cause eye, skin and respiratory system irritation.

Is polyethylene a safe plastic?

Polyethylene is considered one of the safest plastics. Clean Production Action named polyethylene, along with polypropylene, one of the “most benign” plastics in their Plastics Scorecard, which evaluates the hazardous effects of various plastics.

Why is polyethylene toxic?

PET: polyethylene terephthalate While it is generally considered a “safe” plastic, and does not contain BPA, in the presence of heat it can leach antimony, a toxic metalloid, into food and beverages, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ulcers.

Is polypropylene toxic to humans?

Polypropylene is generally considered safe for use, but you should still be wary of using plastics more often than you have to. The chemicals found in plastic products are proven to contribute to some cancers. While it's nearly impossible to avoid all plastic products, you can use as little plastic as possible.

Is polyethylene a carcinogen?

No chemical carcinogenicity has been seen in implantation studies, although particles from Polyethylene implants can induce so-called solid-state carcinogenicity, which is a physical reaction to an implanted material.

Does polyethylene leach chemicals?

#2 – high-density polyethylene (HDPE) HDPE plastic is currently considered a low-hazard plastic with a low risk of leaching. HDPE contains nonylphenol, which has been found to be dangerous to aquatic life. Nonylphenol is also an endocrine disruptor .

Is polyethylene toxic to skin?

According to the panel, polyethylene is safe for in personal care as well as cosmetic products. One of the reasons why, according to the CIR, is that polyethylene polymers are large. As a result, the skin does not experience any type of potentially dangerous absorption.

Is polyethylene safe for food?

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) While many plastics are only FDA compliant and food safe in their virgin (or unrecycled) state, recycled PET is an FDA approved plastic for food contact. It also repels microorganisms and doesn't corrode, making it an overall ideal material for food and beverage contact and storage.

Is polyethylene plastic BPA free?

PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) is the plastic most commonly used in single-use plastic water bottles. It is BPA free, but PET is also associated with many of the same health risks such as stunted growth, reproduction issues, low energy levels, body balance issues, and inability to process stress.

Is polypropylene toxic to breathe?

Inhalation: Inhalation of fine particles may cause respiratory irritation. Fumes produced while thermal processing may cause irritation, pulmonary edema and a possible asthma-like response. Environmental Hazards: Polypropylene is an essentially biologically inert solid and considered non-toxic.

Is polypropylene the safest plastic?

Polypropylene (PP) is usually considered safe for humans. Polypropylene (PP) is usually considered safe for humans. It is considered the safest of all plastics; it is a robust heat-resistant plastic. Because of its high heat tolerance, it is unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water.

Is polyethylene safe for babies?

Glass bottles are an excellent choice. More manufacturers are also making bottles and sippy cups out of safe plastics which are polyethylene, polypropylene or polyamide. Avoid all polycarbonate which are transparent (either clear or tinted) and rigid or inflexible plastic.

Which plastic is the safest?

Polyethylene is considered one of the safest plastics.

What is the recycling code for HDPE?

It is used in bottles for milk and household cleaners, food storage bags, grocery bags, appliance housing and toys. The plastic recycling code of HDPE is #2.

What is the most widely produced commodity plastic?

Polyethylene is the most widely produced commodity plastic and it is primarily used for packaging. Some common forms of polyethylene are:

Is polyethylene plastic safe?

Polyethylene is generally one of the safest plastics but any plastic item can contain added chemicals.

Is polyethylene carcinogenic?

According to its Safety Data Sheet , polyethylene has not been found to be carcinogenic by several safety organizations including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Is plastic harmful to the environment?

Avoiding any plastic is ideal because it not only poses risk to human health but it is harmful to the environment. But, if you must use products made with polyethylene, the risk of exposure is probably low.

Does polyethylene offgas?

Polyethylene does offgas but generally at a much lower rate than more toxic plastics such as PVC and polystyrene.

How long does it take for polyethylene glycol 3350 to produce bowel movement?

It may take 2 to 4 days for polyethylene glycol 3350 to produce a bowel movement.

Is polyethylene glycol safe for constipation?

According to studies, the long-term efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in constipated children are unknown , and a head-to-head comparison of the different PEG formulations is lacking.

What are the hazards of plastic additives?

Volatile additives pose hazards. Plasticizers, UV stabilizers, flame retardants, and various other added chemicals are used to give the plastic the desired properties. The problem is that these additives are often not permanently chemically bonded to the plastic.

How can I tell whether a plastic product contains harmful substances?

Unfortunately, in most countries, manufacturers are not required to list plastic additives as ingredients on the product or its packaging, so you cannot easily identify them.

How many tonnes of BPA are there in the world?

With 3.8 million metric tonnes worldwide, BPA remains one of the most widely produced chemicals. So in order to be able to continue selling their products – and because BPA got a bad image in public – the industry is looking for substitutes.

Why is BPA considered a toxic substance?

BPA is on the list of “substances of very high concern” of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) because of its reproductive-toxic effects on humans. Since January 2018, its harmful hormonal effects on animals and the environment have been added to this list.

Why are plastics approved for use in food and pharmaceutical industries?

There are certain types of plastic that are approved for use in food and pharmaceutical industries because they are considered to be harmless to human health (for example, polypropylene).

Why are children more contaminated than adults?

Children (especially toddlers) are often stronger contaminated than adolescents or adults – probably because children take more (plastic) objects in their mouths. For some of the children, the level of contamination was so high that damage to their health could no longer be safely ruled out.

When will BPA be banned?

The use of BPA in thermal paper will be banned EU-wide in 2020. As long as it won’t be replaced by its at least equally harmful substitute BPS, this might be a step in the right direction.

What are the negative effects of plastic additives?

These effects include. Direct toxicity, as in the cases of lead, cadmium, and mercury. Carcinogens, as in the case of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)

What are the effects of PVC incineration?

Medical waste with PVC and pthalates is regularly incinerated causing public health effects from the release of dioxins and mercury, including cancer, birth defects, hormonal changes, declining sperm counts, infertility, endometriosis, and immune system impairment.

What are some examples of plastics contaminating food?

Examples of plastics contaminating food have been reported with most plastic types, including Styrene from polystyrene, plasticizers from PVC, antioxidants from polyethylene, and Acetaldehyde from PET. Among the factors controlling migration are the chemical structure of the migrants and the nature of the packaged food.

What are the effects of endocrine disruption?

Endocrine disruption, which can lead to cancers, birth defects, immune system suppression and developmental problems in children.

Does bisphenol A cause cancer?

Scientists have linked very low doses of bisphenol A exposure to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes, and hyperactivity, among other problems (Environment California) Polystyrene.

What is SCLAIR polyethylene used for?

SCLAIR polyethylene products are produced in a wide range of densities and can be classified into a broad range of categories including very low, linear low, medium and high-density resins. Very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE) resins are used in the production of high puncture resistant films and sealant layer in multilayer films and pouches. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) resins are used in the production of flexible food packaging, shrink-wrap, stretch film and overwrap films, and injection molded parts. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins are used in the production of food packaging, barrier films, children’s toys, and molded caps and closures. Examples of typical end-use applications listed are not intended to be fully comprehensive. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada and other regulatory agencies have determined that plastics and the additives commonly used in plastics are suitable for such applications. NOVA Chemicals encourages proper recycling, recovery or disposal of plastic products made with SCLAIR Polyethylene after their use and discourages littering these products in the environment.

Is polyethylene a hazard?

Workers producing or processing polyethylene can be exposed to resin dusts when grinding plastics, and to irritating gases while heat processing plastic resins. Workplace air quality measurements made by NOVA Chemicals in typical polyethylene handling and use operations indicate that good equipment design, adequate ventilation, proper handling and personal hygiene procedures minimize these workplace exposures. The public is exposed to solid polyethylene from everyday use of consumer products made from polyethylene resins. Swallowing small polyethylene plastic items can cause choking. Plastic film products can be an asphyxiation hazard if misused to cover the face.

Is polyethylene a hazardous material?

Polyethylene is an inert and chemically neutral material and is not classified as dangerous goods or hazardous materials for transportation. The product will burn at high temperatures and can emit irritating smoke similar to that produced by burning wood but is not considered flammable. Buildup of fine dust may create an explosive mixture with air. In view of this, precautions should be taken to prevent buildup of static electricity in industrial processing. Spilled product may create a dangerous slipping hazard. Clean up and recover any loose pellets. Do not walk on deep piles of pellets in storage vessels or in a contained area to avoid risk of falling and possible suffocation. For further guidance, see the NOVA Chemicals Polyethylene Spill Response Checklist located at www.novachem.com/sustainability/safety.

Is SCLAIR polyethylene biodegradable?

These resins will float on water and can be widely distributed and persistent in land and water systems. Polyethylene will not biodegrade readily. This product will slowly change in the presence of sunlight but will not fully breakdown. Most polyethylene products can be collected and recycled, and NOVA Chemicals encourages recycling of all polyethylene products where appropriate recycling facilities exist. Unrecyclable products including polyethylene can also be converted by recovery processes into heat, electricity,

Is Nova Chemicals a polyethylene?

NOVA Chemicals continues to carefully review all relevant information on the safety and suitability of our polyethylene resins for their known and intended end-uses. In addition, our polyethylene resins are constantly being improved and tailored to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.

What is high density polyethylene?

High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is a type of plastic that’s tougher and stronger and can endure higher temperatures than most other polymers. This durable plastic is used in a wide variety of applications, from transporting water to storing school books while students are in class.

Why use HDPE in bathroom?

In commercial bathrooms, architects are using HDPE bathroom partitions because they’re resistant to graffiti and bacteria, unlike traditional metal partitions.

Is HDPE good for commercial use?

Given its high durability and resistance to most damage, HDPE has become a popular material for use in commercial buildings. At Scranton Products, our HDPE products even come with a GREENGuard Gold Certification, making them suitable for use in areas where occupants are considered especially sensitive, like hospitals and schools.

Is HDPE safe for packing food?

In fact, HDPE is frequently used for packing food thanks to its compliance with regulations set out by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, it should be noted that while all food-safe containers are made from HDPE, not all HDPE is food-safe.

Can polyethylene cause eye irritation?

The dust or resin of polyethylene, for example, can cause eye irritation as can the vapors from the resin when it’s being heated. Individuals who are likely to be around HDPE while it’s being manufactured should wear adequate safety gear to avoid unintentional injury.

Do you need to repaint HDPE?

And since our HDPE products are colored throughout during the manufacturing process, there’s no need to repaint, which helps to limit the amount of volatile organic compounds affecting indoor air quality.

Is HDPE Dangerous?

In a word, no. HDPE isn’t necessarily dangerous in its final form, once it’s been molded or manufactured into the container or product that it will continue to be used for until eventually being recycled. In fact, HDPE is frequently used for packing food thanks to its compliance with regulations set out by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, it should be noted that while all food-safe containers are made from HDPE, not all HDPE is food-safe.

What is SCLAIR polyethylene used for?

SCLAIR polyethylene products are produced in a wide range of densities and can be classified into a broad range of categories including very low, linear low, medium and high-density resins. Very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE) resins are used in the production of high puncture resistant films and sealant layer in multilayer films and pouches. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) resins are used in the production of flexible food packaging, shrink-wrap, stretch film and overwrap films, and injection molded parts. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins are used in the production of food packaging, barrier films, children’s toys, and molded caps and closures. Examples of typical end-use applications listed are not intended to be fully comprehensive. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada and other regulatory agencies have determined that plastics and the additives commonly used in plastics are suitable for such applications. NOVA Chemicals encourages proper recycling, recovery or disposal of plastic products made with SCLAIR Polyethylene after their use and discourages littering these products in the environment.

Is polyethylene a hazard?

Workers producing or processing polyethylene can be exposed to resin dusts when grinding plastics, and to irritating gases while heat processing plastic resins. Workplace air quality measurements made by NOVA Chemicals in typical polyethylene handling and use operations indicate that good equipment design, adequate ventilation, proper handling and personal hygiene procedures minimize these workplace exposures. The public is exposed to solid polyethylene from everyday use of consumer products made from polyethylene resins. Swallowing small polyethylene plastic items can cause choking. Plastic film products can be an asphyxiation hazard if misused to cover the face.

Is polyethylene a hazardous material?

Polyethylene is an inert and chemically neutral material and is not classified as dangerous goods or hazardous materials for transportation. The product will burn at high temperatures and can emit irritating smoke similar to that produced by burning wood but is not considered flammable. Buildup of fine dust may create an explosive mixture with air. In view of this, precautions should be taken to prevent buildup of static electricity in industrial processing. Spilled product may create a dangerous slipping hazard. Clean up and recover any loose pellets. Do not walk on deep piles of pellets in storage vessels or in a contained area to avoid risk of falling and possible suffocation. For further guidance, see the NOVA Chemicals Polyethylene Spill Response Checklist located at www.novachem.com/sustainability/safety.

Is SCLAIR polyethylene biodegradable?

These resins will float on water and can be widely distributed and persistent in land and water systems. Polyethylene will not biodegrade readily. This product will slowly change in the presence of sunlight but will not fully breakdown. Most polyethylene products can be collected and recycled, and NOVA Chemicals encourages recycling of all polyethylene products where appropriate recycling facilities exist. Unrecyclable products including polyethylene can also be converted by recovery processes into heat, electricity,

Is Nova Chemicals a polyethylene?

NOVA Chemicals continues to carefully review all relevant information on the safety and suitability of our polyethylene resins for their known and intended end-uses. In addition, our polyethylene resins are constantly being improved and tailored to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.

How does plastic affect human health?

Decade after decade we have watched as prostate and breast cancer rates have risen, fertility rates in men have dropped , young girls have entered early puberty, young boys have become increasingly hyperactive and children have become fatter. All of these conditions result from multiple factors, but the effects of plastic cannot be discounted.

How to avoid plastic toxicity?

The obvious solution to avoiding plastic toxicity is to avoid plastics, which, in a world awash in plastic, is pretty difficult. In the absence of this, it makes sense to limit your close encounters with plastic as best as you can.

What are phthalates in plastic?

Another class of endocrine disruptor called phthalates is also present in plastic products containing PVC. Phthalates are used to soften plastic and can be found in toys, deodorants and shampoos, shower curtains, raincoats, food packaging and a myriad of other products.

What is the chemical in plastic?

One of the main chemicals used to produce plastics is bisphenol A, or BPA, an endocrine disruptor that is prevalent in a vast number of widely used products, not least of which are plastic food and beverage bottles and the lining of metal cans. Heat, repeated washing, acidity, and alkalinity cause the BPA in plastics to leach into our food and beverages. Further, BPA leaches into our groundwater from all the plastic sitting in landfills. And of course we ingest BPA from all the fish we eat that has previously ingested all that plastic floating around in the ocean.

How to avoid BPA?

Avoid contact with BPA by avoiding plastic wrap (use wax or parchment paper, or aluminum foil), plastic food containers (use metal or glass containers), and disposable water bottles (use reusable non-plastic or BPA-free bottles).

What are the effects of endocrine disruptors on the human body?

In the human body, endocrine disruptors mimic the actions of the hormone estrogen. They upset the hormonal balance and can stimulate the growth of tumors in the breast, uterus or prostate. They can affect fertility, pregnancy, and worse, can affect the fetus by interfering with testosterone, disrupting normal sexual development. This disruption is not often apparent until adulthood and includes the increased risk of cancer.

What percentage of urine contains BPA?

In one study, the Centers for Disease Control found 95 percent of urine samples contained some amount of BPA. It's in our blood, our amniotic fluid, our breast milk. Small children are most at risk because they put everything in their mouths, they breathe and drink more, relative to their size, and they excrete waste more slowly.