On May 23, 2023, civil society organization Defend Our Health together with Beyond Petrochemicals released a report on the hazards associated with PET plastic bottles. Using research and data on pollutant and toxic emissions numbers, the document highlights potential threats to the environment and human health due to the manufacturing, usage, and disposal of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The report focuses mainly on the chemical supply chain to produce these bottles, illustrated by means of the Coca-Cola Company as a case study and includes population data of people living in a 3-mile radius of emission sources.
The main findings of the study concern ethylene oxide emissions into the air from chemical manufacturers supplying PET plastics. Furthermore, the authors state that the production of these PET plastics causes large-scale 1,4-dioxane (CAS 123-91-1) contamination, another carcinogen, of drinking water in the Southeast US. After production, antimony (Sb, CAS 7440-36-0) which is used to speed up plastic production, has been found to migrate into foodstuffs from PET plastic packaging which again presents a potential risk to human health.
Additionally, the report highlights issues related to the end-of-life of PET bottles. Carcinogenic chemicals, such as benzene (CAS 71-43-2) and styrene (CAS 100-42-5), can be released during the mechanical recycling process, which could then end up in recycled PET articles. PET that is incinerated for disposal or energy generation purposes releases harmful compounds, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals, into the environment.
The study presents evidence that “the health burden of PET plastic production falls disproportionately on communities of color and low-income people […]” (FPF reported). 64% of people facing serious cancer risk from ethylene oxide (CAS 75-21-8) air pollution are people of color, as per the study’s research.
To conclude, the report urges large beverage companies, such as Coca-Cola, to replace chemicals of concern in their supply chain. Research published in March 2022 found 150 chemicals have been measured to migrate from PET bottles into drinks, 18 of which exceeded EU migration limits (FPF reported). “The beverage industry must detoxify its supply chain and wean itself off of fossil-fueled plastics.” said Mike Belliveau, the executive director of Defend Our Health in the press release.
Reference
Defend our Health (May 23, 2023). “Hidden hazards: The chemical footprint of a plastic bottle.”
Defend our Health (May 23, 2023). “First-ever study reveals the hard truths behind soft drinks’ plastic bottles: Beverage industry supply chain riddled with carcinogens, emissions and contamination.”
Read more
Joseph Winters (May 23, 2023). “Plastic bottles harm human health at every stage of their life cycle.” Grist
