Downsides of the recycling process: Harmful organic chemicals in children's toys

• Published in: Environment international Vol. 65; pp. 54 - 62
• Main Authors: Ionas, Alin C., Dirtu, Alin C., Anthonissen, Tim, Neels, Hugo, Covaci, Adrian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: additives; Age Factors; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; children; Environment. Living conditions; Environmental Exposure - analysis; Environmental pollutants toxicology; Exposure assessment; flame retardants; Flame Retardants - analysis; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers - analysis; Hazardous Substances - analysis; health hazards; Humans; Infant; Medical sciences; Organic Chemicals - analysis; Organic Chemicals - toxicity; PBDEs; PFRs; phosphates; Phthalate esters; phthalates; plasticizers; Plasticizers - analysis; Play and Playthings; polybrominated diphenyl ethers; polymers; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; recycled materials; Recycling; risk; Risk Assessment; selection criteria; Time Factors; Toxicology; Toys; Belgium; Europe; PFRs; Toys; Phthalate esters; Recycling; PBDEs; Exposure assessment; Human; Toxicity; Chemical compound; Flame retardant; Exposure; Phthalates; Ester; Danger; Health hazards; Bromine Organic compounds; Child; Toy

Most of the materials used in consumer goods contain a number of additives which are meant to improve key properties like plasticity or flame resistance. At the end-of-life of the product, many polymeric materials are recycled and the additives they contain, such as flame retardants (FRs) and plasti...