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.
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
Plastics manufacturing can be safe when exposures are well controlled, but some processes release fumes, vapours or dust that can affect health. Hazards may include isocyanates in polyurethane foam, styrene in fibreglass and resins, vinyl chloride and acrylonitrile in polymer production, and heat, noise and machinery. A risk assessment will show which workers need health monitoring.
Finished plastic products are generally low risk to handle, but the chemicals used to make them can be hazardous. Monomers, solvents, catalysts and additives may irritate the skin, eyes and lungs, and some can cause asthma or are classified as carcinogens. The risk depends on the substance, the process and the controls in place.
Schedule 14 of the model WHS Regulations lists several chemicals used in plastics, including isocyanates, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride and MOCA, as well as cadmium used in some pigments. Workers with a significant risk of exposure to these must be given health monitoring of the type set out in the Schedule. Other chemicals such as styrene may also need monitoring where there is a significant risk and valid tests exist.
Not completely. Australia permanently bans the supply of toys, childcare articles and eating vessels for children up to 36 months that contain more than 1% DEHP by weight and can be readily chewed or sucked. Other uses of phthalates are not covered by this ban, so workplace exposure should still be managed through the chemical’s Safety Data Sheet and WHS controls.
It depends on the chemical. For isocyanates it includes a respiratory questionnaire, examination of the lungs and skin and lung function testing, while for MOCA it includes urine testing. Employees Health can review your processes and provide the right monitoring onsite at your factory.
