Study links recycled plastic chemicals to health risks

A recent study examined the effects of chemicals leaching from recycled black polyethylene (PE) plastic pellets on zebrafish embryos. It found that recycled plastic pellets may leach harmful chemicals into water, that affected zebrafish larvae's hormone systems and lipid metabolism. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Leipzig discovered that a single plastic pellet can contain over 80 different chemicals.

The study demonstrated gene expression changes related to lipid metabolism and endocrine functions after exposure to water contaminated with recycled plastic. Lead researcher Azora König Kardgar emphasized the risks posed by these chemicals. The study highlights the need for regulatory actions to ban hazardous substances in plastics, ensuring safer recycling practices.

Study can be accessed here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030438942501862X?via%3Dihub