While PET plastic products may seem harmless, these items can pose a risk to humans and the environment during their entire life cycle. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the type of plastic most plastic bottles are made of, is also used for food packaging and containers.
New evidence suggests that this plastic might leak chemicals that pose a severe health risk to humans. Here is how PET plastic produces harmful chemicals throughout its entire life cycle.
The Life Cycle of PET Plastic
A new study by Defend Our Health and Beyond Petrochemicals explains how PET plastic is causing havoc on people and the environment. In the report, they state the first phase of PET plastic entails the extraction of raw materials — usually crude oil. After which, it is broken down into two main components, mono ethylene glycol (MEG) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA).
These components are combined in a process called polymerization, which creates the baseline for any PET product. From there, additives, acids and other chemicals are added to get the desired characteristics of the plastic. This can include adding chemicals to make it more elastic, transparent or fire-resistant.
The manufacturing process of PET plastic releases harmful chemicals into the air. In the study, they state that various research and reports have found that making this plastic not only pollutes the air but also negatively impacts municipal wastewater and solid waste treatment facilities. Unfortunately, this affects surrounding communities.
These facilities are usually located in areas of low economic status and places with poor infrastructure. The people living in and close to these areas are most affected — largely, communities of color and low income families.
After these plastic products are manufactured — usually plastic bottles and food containers, they are sent to grocery stores, wholesalers, restaurants and even school cafeterias. According to the rapport, PET plastic can leak harmful chemicals into its contents. This chemical leaking is extremely toxic to humans and can have various side effects on those who consume them.
After the use of PET products, they are thrown away. While PET plastic items are recyclable, many of these plastic products are not recycled and end up in landfills. Plastic is not bio-degradable, which means they fall apart and leak harmful toxins into the environment.
The sad reality is PET plastic only starts to break down naturally after hundreds of years and even then, it is not entirely broken down. Instead, they transform into microplastics — small parts of plastic that make its way into marine life, groundwater and the air we breathe in. For these reasons, companies that mostly use PET plastic should be encouraged to find sustainable solutions.
In some cases, when these plastic products are disposed of, they are incinerated. This releases massive amounts of dangerous and cancerous chemicals into the environment — contributing to global warming and air pollution. This completes the harmful life cycle of PET plastic.
How People and the Environment Are Affected by PET Plastic
There are many side effects to the manufacturing and use of PET products, especially when the chemicals used leak into the contents or contaminate natural resources like the ground water and air. PET can also affect ocean life — sea creatures can consume the microplastic, mistaking it for food. After humans consume these fish, we inadvertently ingest these small pieces of plastic.
Aside from these side effects, PET products can also cause a decrease in air quality, which in turn, causes respiratory diseases. These side effects can affect multiple generations and eradicate natural resources.
Change Is Needed
Chemical leaks and the improper disposal of PET plastic cause havoc on the environment and its inhabitants. The health and environmental risk these products pose is devastating if proper precautions are not in place.
A sustainable change is required to protect the planet, animals and humans. Companies that mainly rely on PET plastic should consider suitable alternatives instead. With a collective effort, this tidal wave of plastic can be resolved.
