A recent study published in Toxics found that PVC plastic materials leach phthalates, a chemical with dangerous health effects, when they’re subjected to basic cooking conditions like microwaving and heat.
In short:
- PVC plastic released phthalates when heated in a microwave for only 15 seconds.
- PVC also released substantial amounts of phthalates when heated in olive oil at 37° C (98° F), a temperature that’s much cooler than what's typically used when cooking with oil.
- Although it contains dangerous endocrine disrupting chemicals, PVC is the third most commonly produced type of plastic, and is often used in food and beverage packaging.
Key quote:
“Plasticizers can be released into the environment from various PVC products, thus posing a potential threat to human health through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.”
Why this matters:
Phthalates aren’t the only harmful chemicals present in PVC plastics - they also contain toxic vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen that’s been linked to cancers of the liver, blood, brain, lung and lymph nodes. Following a train derailment in Ohio last year that released 1.1 million pounds of the chemical, the EPA announced it would review vinyl chloride under measures that could lead to it being restricted or banned for use. The results of this study further reinforce the case for comprehensive regulations on PVC plastics and their unsafe chemical components.
Related EHN coverage:
- EPA begins review of PVC ingredient vinyl chloride, which could lead to restrictions or ban
- Food packaging can harm human health
More resources:
An, Jiwon et al. for Toxics vol. 12, 1. Dec. 20, 2023
- Environmental groups call on the EPA to ban the toxic chemical vinyl chloride ›
- Widely used PVC plastic chemical spurs obesity, prediabetes: Study ›
