Last edited Sat Jan 13, 2024, 08:29 PM - Edit history (1)
I process and test plastics and I work on regulatory compliance issues. I have been exposed to a ridiculous number of plastics and plastics additives. But not at the chemical giants this is custom compounding (most of the significant types of plastics and additives used over the last 40 years). A lesser amount of PVC plastic because that is usually kept to separate facilities, although I have been handling it a little in recent years.
All the important polymers as far as I know are considered biologically inert. So then we could consider the effect of the particles as mechanical irritants perhaps. But these particles have to cause less irritation than harder materials. Plastics are relatively soft, the edges won't remain all that sharp if the material has gotten into the environment for any length of time. The particles will have low aspect ratios, and so not shaped like fibers. So then lastly we could look at chemicals that can leach out of the plastic, or the chemicals that the plastic breaks down to. This is one of the more studied aspects of plastics, and is pretty well regulated where necessary.
But I am concerned about phthalates and PFAS. Many phthalates that have been used are known to be possibly hazardous to health. Phthalates are mostly used in flexible PVC. Other uses do not come close in term of environmental impact. Regarding PFAS, there isn't a lot of evidence of damage to health from these chemicals (yet). Problem or concern is they stick around a long time. Another one that we should be concerned about but probably to a lesser degree is BPA and BPS.
If someone has a different view or understanding I would be interested.
Edit to add: There was an article not too long ago about microparticles from auto tires and a stabilizer that is used in the rubber. I am not as familiar with rubber compounds. But a stabilizer was found to be decomposing into a substance harmfu to aquatic life. Link https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016365182
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