What are plasticizers (and why are they in the air we breathe)?

A recent study attempted to measure the air quality near the University of California, Riverside. Researchers gave out special chemical-absorbing wristbands to their subjects and had them report back after five days. The scientists then chopped up the wristbands to see what chemicals were inside. 

The results were surprising. 

The wristbands contained high levels of plasticizers, dangerous chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive problems. One scientist said the levels were “through the roof.”

So what are plasticizers exactly, and how did so many of them get into the environment … and us? 

We all know that plastic generates huge amounts of waste, from plastic pellets to foam cups. Among the most worrying of these plastic byproducts are plasticizers. Plasticizers are a broad category of chemicals used to make plastics softer and more flexible. 

The problem is, these chemicals are also notoriously hard to contain. Plasticizers can be transmitted through the air and absorbed through breathing or even just skin contact.

What’s more, two kinds of plasticizers, known as DiNP and DEHP, are harmful to humans. Studies have linked both to a variety of negative health conditions, from liver disease to development problems to cancer.

How did plasticizers get everywhere?

But even despite some rules regulating plasticizers, the California study and others suggest that plasticizers are still far more widespread than we would like. The EPA has found plasticizers in food, consumer products and even people’s bodies.

Like many parts of the plastic-making process, plasticizers are almost impossible to keep out of the environment. When plastic products are disposed of, for example, plasticizers can leach out of waste disposal sites and into waterways.

Ultimately, plasticizers are a reminder that the whole plastic life cycle, from creation to disposal, creates inevitable waste, pollution and health risks. The best way to keep people safe is to reduce plastic consumption as much as possible. 

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