Kabiling, Amielyn B.

Written Report

Health Impacts of Plastic Manufacturing Process

Plastics are not inherently bad, and they have many redeeming ecological features; in fact, many of the
techniques we utilize in our designs involve targeted use of plastic products. Their durability and low
maintenance reduce material replacement, their light weight reduces shipping energy, their formulation into
glue products allows for the creation of engineered lumber and sheet products from recycled wood, and
their formulation into superior insulation and sealant products improves the energy performance of our
structures.

Many chemical additives that give plastic products desirable performance properties also have negative
environmental and human health effects. These effects include:

• Direct toxicity, as in the cases of lead, cadmium, and mercury

• Carcinogens, as in the case of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)

• Endocrine disruption, which can lead to cancers, birth defects, immune system supression and
developmental problems in children.

Chemical Migration from Plastic Packaging into Contents

• People are exposed to these chemicals not only during manufacturing, but also by using plastic
packages, because some chemicals migrate from the plastic packaging to the foods they contain.

Unwanted migration

• Migration of plasticizers to the surface of a plastic item or the migration and evaporation of flame
retardants

PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES

• Buy food in glass or metal containers

• Use natural fiber clothing, bedding and furniture

• Replace a more toxic plastic, such as PVC, with a less toxic one.