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Chemicals Found in Packaging Materials

People use packaging material everyday but rarely know what chemicals go into making the products. Some scientists believe that the prolonged use of these chemicals contributes to health problems. These facts are under debate but have encouraged ecologically friendly packaging products with elements such as recycled materials to give the consumer a choice.

Bisphenol A
- Bisphenol A is one of the main chemicals involved in making polycarbonate plastics as well as epoxy resins. Exposure to BPA comes primarily though packaging of foods and drinks such as transparent plastic cups or bottles. The epoxy resin coats metal in packaging like food cans and bottle tops. BPA can get into food sources quicker by washing or heating containers made with the product. A human body interprets the chemical as estrogen, and tests have shown it to possibly promote breast cancer cell growth. Some studies by the Department of Health and Human Services' National Toxicology Program found possible harmful effects on children and infants.
Styrene
- Styrene appears in latex and rubber items. Its main ingredients are natural gas and petroleum. A form of styrene called polystyrene is a feature of many food containers. Traces of the chemical can appear in food after its storage or transportation in packages made from styrene products. In addition to the harmful effects of ingesting the product, it is dangerous to the eyes as well as skin to be in direct contact with unprepared styrene. The possibility of the chemical causing cancer is under debate with some surveys claiming the item induces the disease, while others dispute the findings.
Olefins And Polyolefins
- Olefins and polyolefins are part of general plastic packaging and plastic bags intended for food storage. Both hydrocarbon chemicals are completely man made and do not occur naturally. Polyolefins are thermoplastics that change from an easily moldable material to a liquid state in heat while olefins are polymerized. This produces a plastic that is lightweight, making it desirable to manufacturers.
Urethanes
- Urethanes may also be known as polyurethanes and chemically react with polyol. The discovery of this chemical came about in 1937 with many major chemical companies beginning to sell the product for various manufacturing applications decades later. Its uses include glue to hold items together, such as cardboard or glass. Materials like the glues will usually last longer than the item it is on. The chemical also appears in packaging foam as a way to protect fragile goods.

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