A recent study reveals alarming levels of phased-out toxic chemicals, including lead and phthalates, in recycled flooring products.
Katherine Bourzac reports for Chemical & Engineering News.
In short:
- Researchers in Switzerland discovered that 16% of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring products contained banned chemicals.
- The study highlighted the presence of lead and DEHP, a plasticizer linked to various health issues.
- The findings underscore the challenges in ensuring safe recycling practices for building materials.
Key quote:
“If you want to make sure you have clean materials, you need screening tools."
- Helene Wiesinger, a doctoral student at the Institute of Environmental Engineering of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
Why this matters:
This discovery points to the need for stringent recycling protocols to prevent harmful substances from re-entering consumer markets, particularly in products used in our homes.
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