Heavy Metals in Plastics

Heavy metal poisoning is a real concern and consumers should know how it occurs and what they can do to prevent the possibility of suffering from heavy metal toxicity. As consumers become more environmentally aware, they have questions about the impact the products they use will have on the environment. As conscientious efforts are made to reduce the amount of plastics in landfills, questions arise. Are trace metals found in plastics? Do they pose a risk to consumers? What are the long-term environmental impacts if heavy metals are used in plastics?

According to food scientists at Iowa State University, trace amounts of heavy metals do appear in plastic, but, while these small amounts pose no immediate threat to food safety, long-term environmental problems may exist. This is good news for people who consume large quantities of prepackaged food, but not as good for the environment. Decades after these items have been used and their containers disposed of, health concerns could surface. Known as “end-of-life” problems, heavy metals and other toxic materials might filtrate from the plastics as they decay, making it necessary to properly source plastics for quality materials that will have less impact on the environment. Plastic can take 20-500 years to break down, leaching toxic metals and chemicals as they deteriorate in the soil. Having made their way to a landfill or a body of water, they might contaminate soil and drinking water. If metals such as lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and antimony make their way into drinking water or farm land, serious health conditions could follow for anyone who ingests the water or crops grown in contaminated soil. 

If you or anyone you know is suffering from heavy metal toxicity, review Chelation Health Products assortment of chelation products to remove heavy metals from the body.