SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): An expert study identified presence of dangerous chemicals in recycled plastics.
The study was conducted by Bethanie Carney Almroth, Associate Professor, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg; and Eric Carmona Martinez, Scientist, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ.
It focused on measuring the concentration of contaminants in recycled pellets from as many as 28 small-scale recycling facilities in the global south. The investigation covered facilities in African continent, mainly in Cameroon, Mauritius, Nigeria, Tanzania and Togo as well as countries in Asia, Europe and South America.
The investigation revealed presence of 191 pesticides, 107 pharmaceuticals and 81 industrial compounds in the recycled plastic pellets. These hazardous chemicals could be dangerous, thus making them not suitable for reuse. The chemicals present in them could cause harm to human beings and other organisms. Incidentally, the production process of plastic materials use thousands of chemicals.
The study highlights the importance of regulating mechanical recycling. The quality of recycled plastics can be assessed only by having a clear understanding of what all chemicals are present in them and in what concentrations, it said.
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