Addressing the Chemical Hazards in Plastics: A Path Forward

In a groundbreaking study published on July 11, 2025, researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have revealed alarming findings regarding the chemical composition of plastics. The study highlights that a staggering 16,325 chemicals are present in various plastic products, with at least 4,200 classified as hazardous to human health and the environment. This research underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures and industry reforms to mitigate the risks associated with plastic chemicals.

Martin Wagner, a lead author of the study and Professor at NTNU, emphasized, "Plastics should not contain harmful chemicals to begin with. Yet, the scientific evidence shows that they are intentionally used or unintentionally present in all types of plastics." This statement points to a critical gap in the safety protocols surrounding plastic manufacturing and usage, which poses significant health risks.

The study, which contributes to the PlastChem database, reveals that these chemicals can leach into food packaging, household items, and the environment, raising concerns among health professionals and environmentalists alike. According to Zhanyun Wang, co-author of the study and a scientist at Empa, "It may seem daunting to address the large number of problematic plastic chemicals, but the study provides the tools to do so. Simplifying chemical compositions is a prerequisite for advancing towards a safe and sustainable circular economy for plastics."

Ksenia Groh, another co-author and Group Leader in Bioanalytics at Eawag, added, "Plastics can contain and leach unknown substances, such as contaminants, impurities, or degradation products. The toxicity of chemicals leaching from plastics can be evaluated using bioassays, a practical alternative to chemical analytics. This promising approach needs further development for broader application in the future."

The researchers outlined three primary pathways to achieve safer and more sustainable plastics: the removal of harmful chemicals, increased transparency regarding chemical compositions, and the redesign of plastics to minimize chemical use. Laura Monclús, a lead author and researcher at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), noted, "There is a lot of momentum to make plastics safer. Our study provides the scientific evidence needed to achieve that goal and to better protect human health and the environment from chemicals of concern in plastics."

The implications of these findings are significant. With increasing public awareness and concern regarding plastic pollution and chemical safety, there is mounting pressure on manufacturers and policymakers to take action. The study's authors advocate for proactive measures, including regulatory changes and voluntary industry initiatives, to remove hazardous chemicals from plastic products. Such steps are essential to protect public health and foster a sustainable future.

As the global community grapples with the plastic crisis, this research serves as a pivotal call to action, reinforcing the necessity for a collaborative effort among scientists, industry leaders, and government officials to create a safer and more sustainable future. The transition towards safer plastics is not merely a scientific endeavor; it is a crucial societal imperative that requires immediate attention and action.