How ‘Eco’ Materials Containing Recycled Content May Be Harming Your Health
The Sustainability Debate and Your Health
Sustainable options, when it comes to consumer products, building materials, and the like, respond to the current environmental crisis. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean those options are good for your health.
Now, bear with me, as this is a multi-prong topic.
When shopping, do you opt for the “green” products to do your bit for environmental preservation? Products that may also include wording like “eco” or “conscious.”
Many are victims of “greenwashing” (check out our previous blog post here). Or, it may be sustainable, but not ideal for your own health. Or, both.
Here’s what you need to know about recycling, especially when it comes to your health:
The Pros and Cons of Recyclability
As you would be aware, recycling is currently one of the largest processes to minimise consumer waste, with the primary intention being the reutilisation or repurposing of the recycled materials - in turn encouraging a ‘circular economy.’
Here are some pros and cons of recycling:
✅ Reduces waste going to landfill
✅ Encourages a circular economy
✅ May conserve natural resources
❌ Can contain harmful legacy substances, some that have even since been prohibited
❌ Requires stricter implementation to protect health & the environment long-term
The prevalence of plastics
Plastics are one of the most predominant synthetic materials in today’s society, with 350 to 400 million tonnes produced globally, per year (Danso et al., 2019). And what’s worse is, contemporary recycling processes and minor ‘circular use’ are not sufficient in managing such extreme quantities of plastic materials when no longer needed.
Enzyme-based microbial plastic degradation processes are being researched and implemented. Though as of 2019, these were only moderately effective in the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane (PUR). They were yet to show success with other common polymers like PVC, polystyrene and polypropylene.
Now, of course, plastics have been evolutionary in some industries, for example, the medical field. But when it comes to single-use plastics, children’s toys that are discarded and/or grown out of, or plastic-based interior finishes that are changed over time (E.g. trends), and the like, excessive amounts of these petroleum-based materials are sent to landfill. Or, irresponsibly discarded.
Plastic waste is polluting and damaging ecosystems, while associated microplastics are putting our own health at risk.
Here are some common plastic-based materials and their impact on our health:
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) - used in single-use plastics, and even textiles & clothing now. It can leach “antimony,” a toxic metalloid, causing digestive issues.
PE (polyethylene) - used in food packaging, takeaway cups, and textiles/wallpapers. It can leach estrogenic chemicals.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - used in many building materials, finishes, and toys. It may contain prohibited DEHP (a phthalate), an endocrine disrupter.
PUR (polyurethane) - used in insulation foam (including spray-in foam), upholstery foam in furniture, and mattresses. PUR can contribute to internal VOCs, and lead to both acute & chronic pulmonary and extra-pulmonary symptoms (Huang & Tsuang, 2014; Xu et al., 2018).
These materials are just some of the common polymers that are ‘recycled’ and integrated into new products and materials, to reduce waste and support a circular economy.
You might be able to see where this blog post is headed…
Sustainability typically refers to environmental preservation.
A misconception is, that it is also a healthy option for you.
‘Sustainable’ options may not be the healthiest choice for you
Background aside, if you purchase a product or material because it is deemed ‘sustainable,’ that doesn’t necessarily mean it it good for you. It simply means it is a better option for the environment, especially in terms of natural resource preservation.
Consider the above common petroleum-based materials. Many products or materials that are branded as “green” or “eco conscious,” are typically trying to reduce the plastic going to landfill, by continuing their life cycle and repurposing the plastic for another use.
That is great for the environment! But how about your health?
While recycled items carry multiple benefits associated with reducing landfill and waste, there are risks to human health when associated with harmful substances from the original item.
Are you further exposing yourself to plastic toxicity?
Recycling & the minimisation of waste is critical for our future. But presently, population growth, excessive consumerism, and waste are outweighing waste-management processes.
Regulations and processes associated with plastic recycling needs to be significantly improved to accommodate today’s extensive consumption of plastics;
Plastic materials should be repurposed to continue the ‘circular economy’ over landfill. But, at minimal risk to human health, as well as the environment. That being, their new purpose needs to be significantly considered, to prevent microplastics and other toxins re-entering the natural environment, and in turn, the ecological life cycle.
And, we need to reduce our plastic use and consumption to reduce the demand for production, on a long-term basis.
We have a long way to go before recycling can ‘sustainably’ manage the excessive plastic-based waste.
How that may impact your health?
The toxicity of petroleum-based products & materials
We are exposed to microplastics on a daily basis. This mostly occurs via ingestion through water, dust and dietary sources, and also via inhalation of toxic air particles. It is estimated this exposure is in concentrations of tens of thousands, to millions, every year. Drinking water from plastic bottles and the inhalation of indoor air are primary sources (Kannan & Vimalkumar, 2021).
While purchasing products or materials that contain recycled elements is considered a positive environmental incentive, here are a few applications that may increase your toxic exposure to microplastics and harmful substances associated with the recycled composition:
Textiles and clothing containing PET (and polyester is made from PET!). Like most synthetic textiles your skin cannot breath, PET leaches toxins, and microplastics still end up in the waterways from each wash. And heat can influence the extent of leaching (think ‘eco’ activewear?).
Pots, especially when used for edible plants. These too can leach, contaminating the soil microbes that the plant feeds off on an ecological level.
Reusable plastic containers. These also may leach directly into your food, especially when exposed to heat (E.g. microwave, sun if left in your vehicle, or simply just from storing freshly cooked hot food).
What can you do to minimise your risk?
When using ‘sustainable’ items, don’t be afraid to interrogate what the recycled element is. And even, where it came from.
Here are a few additional steps you can take, to reduce your risk to microplastics and the leaching of plastic materials:
Opt for natural and sustainable materials, over synthetic alternatives. For example, wool, linen and sustainably-produced cotton over polyester and other synthetic textiles;
Reduce plastic-based materials within your home and workplace, whether that be children’s toys, PVC window coverings, furniture, etc.
Minimise using single-use plastics. Use your own plastic-free reusable containers (E.g. glass) for food storage, and reusable bags when shopping. Bulkfood shops and farmers markets are amazing, and also support local businesses.
Where does that leave us with recycling?
Recycling has been creating unprecedented challenges for local governments in recent years, from a sustainability perspective, in order to keep up with plastic consumption and waste (Anshassi et al., 2021).
The focus has conventionally been to recycle waste and divert it from landfill. Processes need to improve to also evaluate all life cycle phases. In the meantime, we need to reduce our plastic consumption, and reuse and recycle where we can to still minimise landfill.
However, we should also try to be aware of where we are using materials or products that contain recycled contents, for the benefit of our health.
Sustainable design and wellness at The Paradigm Room
It can all be quite mind-boggling! At The Paradigm Room, we endeavor to design differently from the get-go. We specialise in interior design that considers both sustainability and health, for the long-term wellbeing of you and your family, and the environment.
Our end goal is to hand over a healthier, energy efficient, and sustainable project to you that you will enjoy for many years to come.
REFERENCE LIST
Anshassi, M., Preuss, B., & Townsend, T. G. (2021). Moving beyond recycling: Examining steps for local government to integrate sustainable materials management. J Air Waste Manag Assoc, 71(8), 1039-1052. https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2021.1924312
Danso, D., Chow, J., & Streit, W. R. (2019). Plastics: Environmental and Biotechnological Perspectives on Microbial Degradation. Appl Environ Microbiol, 85(19). https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01095-19
Huang, Y. C., & Tsuang, W. (2014). Health effects associated with faulty application of spray polyurethane foam in residential homes. Environ Res, 134, 295-300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2014.07.015
Kannan, K., & Vimalkumar, K. (2021). A Review of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Insights Into Microplastics as Obesogens. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 12, 724989. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.724989
Xu, W., Li, J., Zhang, W., Wang, Z., Wu, J., Ge, X., Wu, J., Cao, Y., Xie, Y., Ying, D., Wang, Y., Wang, L., Qiao, Z., & Jia, J. (2018). Emission of sulfur dioxide from polyurethane foam and respiratory health effects. Environ Pollut, 242(Pt A), 90-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.089