Toxics in Packaging

CONEG. The Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation, developed by the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) and adopted in one form or another by 18 states, directly affects the colorant and additive industry. 

Toxics in Packaging aearinghouse. Fact Sheet, Jan., 2005, http //www.toxicsinpackaging.org/ adobe/TPCH-fact-sheet.PDF. 

Gas-phase adsorption can also be used when regenerating the adsorbent is not practical. Most of these appHcations are used where the faciHties to effect a regeneration are not justified by the small amount of adsorbent in a single unit. Nonregenerative adsorbents are used in packaging, dual-pane windows, odor removal, and toxic chemical protection. 

Propylene Glycol. Propylene glycol, the second largest use of propylene oxide, is produced by hydrolysis of the oxide with water. Propylene glycol has very low toxicity and is, therefore, used direcdy in foods, pharmaceuticals (qv), and cosmetics, and indirectly in packaging materials (qv). Propylene glycol also finds use as an intermediate for numerous chemicals, in hydrauhc fluids (qv), in heat-transfer fluids (antifreeze), and in many other apphcations (273). 

There are a variety of chemicals that are toxic and used in the drilling fluid makeup. Chromates and asbestos were once commonly used and are now off the market. A mud inventory should be kept for all drilling additives. Included in the inventory are the material safety data sheets (MSDS) that describe each material s pertinent characteristics. The chemicals found on the MSDS sheet should be compared with the priority pollutants and any material should be eliminated if a match is found. The chemicals should also be checked on arrival for breakage and returned to the vendor if defective packaging is found. All mud additives should be housed in a dry area and properly cared for to prevent waste. Chemicals should always be mixed in packaged proportions. Wasted chemicals, ejected to the reserve pit by untrained personnel, can present future liabilities to the operator. 

World demand for polypropylene is expected to be 30 billion pounds by 2002. This is the strongest growth forecast for any of the major thermoplastics (5.9%). Many of the resins new applications particularly in packaging come at the expense of PS and PVC, the two resins that have been the subject of regulatory restrictions related to solid waste issues and potential toxicity. 

To evaluate inhalation toxicity in situations where workers are exposed to various concentrations and durations of a drug vapor, aerosol, or powder in the work environment during manufacturing or packaging, a more comprehensive determination of E(COso or L(Ct)so values are used. The E(Ct)50 or L(Ct)so values are statistically derived values that represent the magnitude of exposure, expressed as a function of the product of C and t, that is expected to affect or kill less than 50% and more than 50% of the animals. The other curve represents exposures that kill 50% or more than 50% of each group of animals (Irish and Adams, 1940). 

The majority of toxicants in foods are contaminants, (e.g., microbial toxins, pesticide residues, leachable chemicals from packaging materials, food coatings, traces of heavy metals). However, the major issue in food safety is the contamination of food by mycotoxins in items such as milk and milk products, meat and meat products, and peanuts (groundnuts). Aflatoxin is highly toxic and lethal, and its carcinogenic potential is well established, even at doses as low as 0.05. ig. Mycotoxins also infect food products like rice, pulses, tapioca, and betelnuts. (Table 10-2). 

The plastic industry continues to move away from toxic colorants, especially those based on heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, and lead. In the U.S., at least 18 states ban the use of heavy metals, including colorants, in packaging materials. The European Union and some other countries have restrictions on their use, as well. The use of organic colorants or heavy-metal-free (HMF) colorants is continuously increasing, and many colorant producer companies are replacing all of their heavy-metal-containing colorants with systems that present fewer environmental problems and legal restrictions. Colorants incorporated in plastic containers in direct contact with food have to be cleared by FDA, as is the case for other additives. 

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