Table 4: Different additives used in plastic production, their effects and the plastic types.
Toxic Additives | Uses | Public health effect(S) | Plastic types |
Bisphenol A | Plasticizers, can liner | Mimics oestrogen, Ovarian disorder | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polycarbonate (PC) |
Phthalates | Plasticizers, artificial fragrances | Interference with testosterone, sperm motility | Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) | Pesticides, flame retardants, etc. | Possible neurological and reproductive damage | All plastics |
Dioxins | Formed during low temperature combustion of PVC | Carcinogen, interferes with testosterone | All plastics |
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) | Use in making pesticides | Developmental and reproductive toxicity | All plastics |
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) | Dielectrics in electrical equipment | Interferes with thyroid hormone | All plastics |
Styrene monomer | Breakdown product | Carcinogen, can form DNA adducts | Polystyrene |
Nonylphenol | Anti-static, anti-fog, surfactant (in detergents) | Mimics oestrogen | PVC |
Source: [76].