What is plastic made of? Is it poisonous?

What is plastic made of?

Plastic is a common synthetic material, also known as plastic. It is made of polymer compounds by polymerization reaction, and has plasticity and processability. Plastics are widely used in various fields, such as packaging, construction, automotive, electronics and so on.

The main components of plastics are polymers, the most common of which are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and so on. Different plastic materials have different characteristics and uses. For example, polyethylene has good toughness and corrosion resistance, and is often used to make plastic bags and containers; PVC has good weather resistance and insulation properties, and is often used to make pipes and wire bushings.

Is plastic toxic?

The question of whether plastic is toxic needs to be assessed according to the specific plastic material. In general, most plastic materials are safe and harmless under normal conditions of use. However, some plastic materials may contain chemicals that are harmful to human health, such as Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals may have an effect on the body’s endocrine system and reproductive system.

In order to ensure the safety of plastic products, many countries and regions have formulated relevant regulations and standards to limit the use of harmful substances. For example, the European Union has formulated REACH regulations on plastic materials, and the United States FDA has formulated standards on food contact materials. These regulations and standards require plastic manufacturers to control the content of hazardous substances in the production process and conduct relevant testing and certification.

In addition, the correct use and disposal of plastic products is also an important factor to ensure safety. For example, avoid putting hot food or liquids in direct contact with plastic containers to prevent the migration of harmful substances; Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight to prevent plastic aging and the release of harmful substances.

To sum up, plastic is a common synthetic material, made from polymers. Most plastic materials are safe and harmless under normal conditions of use, but some plastic materials may contain chemicals that are harmful to human health. In order to ensure the safety of plastic products, it is necessary to comply with the relevant regulations and standards, and the correct use and disposal of plastic products.