Toys with recycled plastic contain dangerous toxic substances
- A group of European researchers, in collaboration with Ekologistak Martxan, have discovered hazardous e-based toxins in recycled plastics such as toys and other products sold for consumption.
According to a European report in which Ekologistak Martxan participated, certain products may contain dangerous toxic substances from electronic waste. Due to their environmental persistence and the existence of endocrine disruptors that directly influence the neurological evolution of the thyroid and children, these detected toxins are among the 28 most dangerous toxins in the world.
A group of European researchers, in collaboration with Ekologistak Martxan, have discovered hazardous e-based toxins in recycled plastics such as toys and other products sold for consumption.
The toxins found can be classified into two groups: the PBDE, used to isolate elketron cables and the one known as HBCD, used in car plastics and electronics. These two substances are directly related to inadequate functioning of the thyroid and some neurological damage. In addition, they are among the 28 most dangerous toxic in the world listed in the Stockholm Convention.
New research from @arnikaorg, @HealthandEnv & @ToxicsFree found #PBDEs and #HBCDs – two of the most hazardous chemicals on the planet - in overwhelming majority of analyssamples of toys and hair sories (Jtoxicore 0)
— Arnika (@arnikaorg) October 16, 2018
The study analyzed a total of 109 toys, hair accessories and cooking utensils purchased in different countries of Europe. The results indicate that 98% of the products studied had PBDE (polbromo diphenyl eteres) and that 80% had HBCD again.
European legislation limits PBDE levels in consumer products. Although in newly manufactured plastics this limit is clear, in recycled plastics the limit is much wider.
Although at the state level the toxic level of the products studied is within the legal limit, the results show the difference between the new plastic and recycled plastics. The toxic levels of recycled plastics are 100 times higher than those of new manufacturing plastics. This highlights the problems of mistrust that may arise in the consumer, as it does not know whether the product purchased is newly manufactured or recycled, so it is also unaware of the toxic level of the products.
The results indicate that fire-fighting substances containing electronic waste are also maintained in recycled plastics. Several toxic substances were also banned in the Stockholm Convention.
In view of this, the environmental group requires the authorities to ensure that the low levels of toxic substances allowed in the manufacture of new plastic products and the same level of toxic substances as recycled plastic products.
Glifosatoa baliatzeko hamar urteko luzapena babestu du Europako Batzordeak. Herbizida gisa munduan gehien erabiltzen den produktu kimikoa da, eta potentzialki minbizi sortzaile izateagatik ezaguna da.
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