BPA, Phthalates, and Chemicals Used in Plastic
States have been at the forefront of eliminating unnecessary and dangerous plastics from the market. State activity has resulted in phthalates being removed from children’s toys and BPA being removed from most plastic bottles nationwide.
31 adopted policies in 14 states
- Current Policies
- Adopted Policies
- Both
What Are They?
Found in all manner of products including plastic containers, receipt paper, and as ingredients in cosmetics and cleaners, chemicals like BPA, PVC, and phthalates leach out into the surrounding environment and people. Exposure can inhibit neurological development in children and is linked to reproductive health problems, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers.
We Eat Them
Plastics are ubiquitous in our food production system. From food packaging to conveyor belts in manufacturing plants and tubing used in dairy farms, plastic and its chemical additives are everywhere. These additives leach out at all levels of manufacturing and production, contaminating our food and our bodies.
We Drink Them
As plastics break down in the environment, they become microplastics. 90% of bottled water contains microplastics, which we then ingest. Tap water can also contain chemicals used in plastic as improper disposal results in chemicals leaching into groundwater.
We Breathe Them
Over time, chemical additives like BPA and Phthalates leach out of plastic products and into house dust that we breathe every day. Additionally, the manufacture and incineration of certain plastics create dioxins, potent carcinogens that are disproportionately present in low-income communities and communities of color.
What More is Needed
States should pass policies banning the use of materials containing harmful additives from equipment and packaging that comes into contact with food. Additionally, states should mandate that companies conduct thorough audits of their processes to ensure compliance.