Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have discovered hundreds of harmful compounds, including pesticides and medications, in plastic pellets made from recycled materials. These pellets were gathered from recycling plants in 13 different countries across Africa, South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. The study’s findings, published in Data in Brief via ScienceDirect, revealed a total of 491 organic compounds in the pellets, with an additional 170 compounds tentatively identified. These compounds belong to various classes, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and plastic additives.
The presence of these toxic chemicals in recycled plastics raises concerns about their reuse and disposal, which ultimately hinders the recycling process and prevents the establishment of a circular economy. Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth, from the University of Gothenburg, states that plastic recycling has been considered a solution to the plastics pollution crisis. However, the high levels of toxic chemicals in plastics complicate their reuse and disposal, posing risks to recycling workers, consumers, and the environment.
Currently, there are limited regulations governing the use of chemicals in plastics, and international trade in plastics waste further complicates the issue. The hazardous chemicals identified in the plastic pellets present risks not only to recycling workers and consumers but also to society and the environment as a whole. To address this, the plastics industry must take measures to limit the presence of hazardous chemicals before recycling can effectively contribute to tackling the plastic pollution crisis.
It is worth noting that over 13,000 chemicals are used in plastics, and 25% of them are classified as hazardous. Therefore, no plastic chemical can be considered safe. Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth emphasizes the need to phase out plastic chemicals that can cause harm to human health and the environment.
The study’s findings will be presented at the Plastics Treaty Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. At this meeting, scientists, delegates, and environmental advocates from around the world will urge the delegates to consider the latest scientific evidence showing the potential risks associated with the use of toxic chemicals in plastics manufacturing. The goal is to raise awareness and promote stricter regulations to reduce the presence of hazardous chemicals in the plastics industry.
