‘Clean’ plastic may be laden with toxic material
Chances are that the so called ‘clean’ plastic may be containing toxic material and that you could be exposing yourself to plastic laden with harmful flame retardants.
A recent study by Toxic Links, an environmental NGO, has discovered that around 300 tons of plastic with toxic brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are added to the plastic recycling stream everyday in India.
It also found that of the plastic containing flame retardants was being mixed with clean plastic during the recycling process.
The study was conducted in a number of markets in Delhi with most of the waste plastic received from recycling hubs like Mundka, Vishwas Nagar and Kamruddin Nagar.
With BFRs loosely bound with plastic, experts said it often gets released and inhaled during use of the plastic item.
‘BFRs are not chemically bound with the plastic, so it may be released on scraping or using a new item. Children may also be exposed to it while playing with plastic toys that have BFR in them,’ said Satish Sinha, associate director at Toxics Link.
Research has found prolonged exposure to BFRs could lead to health ailments – thyroid hormone disruption, memory impairment, behavioral changes, delayed puberty onset, decreased sperm count and cancer in some cases.
The study revealed that India currently generated almost one lakh tons of contaminated plastic annually, with this figure expected to reach 1.7 lakh tons in 2018.
The plastic is also sold without any warning or labels in cases.
Experts said this process of converting and recycling such plastic is often done without proper precautions.
‘Around 92% of the workers in these areas are not aware of the hazards they face and hence do not take any precaution. The dust and releases may have high concentrations of BFRs,’ said Sinha.
The report highlighted the need to bring in specific guidelines for plastic use in different products in India.
‘The current e-waste rules have restricted some usage of BFRs in electronics and electrical equipment. However, existing or old products have these banned chemicals and there are no guidelines on how to manage them. The way it is being managed is dangerous,’ said Priti Mahesh, chief programme coordinator, Toxics Link.
As a consumer – be careful, be aware. Avoid too much use of plastic. While buying plastic ensure if it is microwaveable – not all plastic are. Avoid too much microwaving of food. Use steel or ceramic containers instead of plastic.
