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Chemical hazards in plastic industry

How many harmful chemicals are in plastic?

Based on the latest studies, more than 13,000 chemicals have been identified as associated with plastics and plastic production across a wide range of applications.

Plastic manufacturers use a variety of chemicals, such as monomers, solvents, and catalysts, which can be hazardous to worker health. Exposure to these chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation,
respiratory problems, and even cancer.

Bisphenol A – a key ingredient in plastic and resin manufacture. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance that is used in the industrial manufacture of polycarbonate plastic products. These include common consumer goods such as re-usable plastic tableware and bottles for drinks, sports equipment, CDs and DVDs.

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FAQs about chemical hazards in the plastic industry

Specifically, the top three categories for phthalate toxicity are cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity and the most commonly caused diseases are cardiovascular, liver, urologic, endocrine, and genital diseases. Those who were exposed to more phthalates are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Items containing more than 1 per cent by weight of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) are banned.

The most common methods are:

  • Plastic extrusion.
  • Injection moulding.
  • Rotational moulding.
  • Plastic extrusion & injection blow moulding.
  • Vacuum casting.
  • Thermoforming & Vacuum forming.
  • Compression moulding.

Based on the latest studies, more than 13,000 chemicals have been identified as associated with plastics and plastic production across a wide range of applications.

Plastic manufacturers use a variety of chemicals, such as monomers, solvents, and catalysts, which can be hazardous to worker health. Exposure to these chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.

Bisphenol A – a key ingredient in plastic and resin manufacture. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance that is used in the industrial manufacture of polycarbonate plastic products. These include common consumer goods such as re-usable plastic tableware and bottles for drinks, sports equipment, CDs and DVDs.

Health Hazard Information of Isocyanate Monomers

Understanding the health hazards and regulatory framework surrounding isocyanate monomers is essential for safe handling. Here’s an overview of the associated risks and safety measures:

 

Health Hazards:

  • Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation and skin contact can lead to sensitization.
  • Systemic Acute Effects: Inhalation may cause acute toxicity.
  • Local Effects: Skin sensitization and respiratory irritation are possible.
  • Skin and Eye Irritation: Irritation to the skin and eyes may occur.

Safety Measures:

Commercial Use:

Isocyanate monomers find applications in various industries including:

  • Automotive refinishing
  • Adhesive and binding agents
  • Plastics manufacture
  • Polyurethane pre-polymers

Existing Work Health and Safety Controls:

  • Hazard Classification: Isocyanate monomers are not listed on the Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS).
  • Exposure Standards in Australia: Safe Work Australia has established exposure standards:
    • Time-weighted average (TWA): 0.02 mg/m³
    • Short-term exposure limit (STEL): 0.07 mg/m³
  • International Exposure Standards: Currently, there are no international exposure standards for individual polyurethanes in this group.
  • Restrictions: In Australia, restrictions apply to polymers containing free isocyanate groups, listed under the ‘Isocyanates’ entry in the Poisons Standard. These chemicals are considered Schedule 6 poisons, requiring distinctive packaging with warnings and safety instructions.

Chemicals used in the Manufacture of Plastics

1. BPA
2. Phthalates
3. DEHP
4. BBP
5. DBP

6. Carbon
7. Hydrogen
8. Oxygen
9. Nitrogen
10. Parabens

11. Alkylphenols
12. Dioxin
13. Perfluorinated Compounds
14. UV Stabilizers
15. Brominated Flame Retardants, BFRs

Other chemicals maybe used in plastic manufacturing:

  • Acrylonitrile are in the manufacture of polymers, resins, plastics and nitrile rubbers.
  • Plastics containing cadmium pigments.
  • MOCA is commonly used as a coating to set plastics.
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