Study Finds Recycled Plastics Can Disrupt Hormone Systems and Metabolism

Recent research from the University of Gothenburg and Leipzig reveals that recycled polyethylene plastics may pose health risks by leaching chemicals that affect hormone regulation and lipid metabolism, especially in aquatic organisms like zebrafish larvae. A single pellet of recycled plastic can contain over 80 chemicals, including plasticizers, UV-stabilizers, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and biocides, which can contaminate water when leached from plastic debris.

In the study, researchers soaked plastic pellets sourced globally in water for 48 hours. Zebrafish larvae exposed to this water over five days demonstrated increased gene expression related to fat development, endocrine function, and metabolic regulation. These findings underscore the potential risks of recycled plastics, as the chemicals released can interfere with essential biological processes, raising concerns about similar impacts on human health.

The study highlights a critical issue: recycling plastics often involves unknown chemical mixtures, and hazardous substances can remain or even become more concentrated during recycling. Experts like Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth stress the importance of regulating and banning hazardous chemicals in plastics and improving transparency in the supply chain.

Moreover, chemical analysis of the leachates showed diverse compounds, including contaminants from initial plastic use, further complicating the safety of recycled materials. As international negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty continue, there is a growing call to enforce restrictions on toxic chemicals in plastics to prevent environmental and public health risks.

This research emphasizes that without adequate measures to address chemical hazards, recycling efforts may inadvertently contribute to health issues related to hormone disruption, obesity, and other metabolic disorders, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and better chemical management in plastics production and recycling.