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Polyethylene terephthalate may yield endocrine disruptors.
1Montgomery Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Development, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341, USA. MCRCAD@verizon.net
Environmental Health Perspectives
|April 7, 2010
Summary
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles may leach endocrine disruptors like phthalates and antimony. Storage temperature and bottle contents affect leaching, potentially impacting beverage and condiment safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used for beverage and condiment containers.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential leaching of endocrine disruptors from PET bottles.
- PET was previously assumed to be inert and not a source of such chemicals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on phthalate leaching from PET bottles.
- To examine antimony leaching from PET and its endocrine-disrupting potential.
- To understand factors influencing chemical leaching from PET containers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PET, phthalates, and antimony.
- Analysis of factors affecting chemical leaching (e.g., temperature, contents).
- Assessment of endocrine-disrupting effects associated with leached chemicals.
Main Results:
- PET bottles may leach phthalates, identified as endocrine disruptors.
- Antimony leaching from PET containers can also cause endocrine-disrupting effects.
- Leaching rates and levels are influenced by bottle contents and storage temperature.
Conclusions:
- PET bottles can release endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates and antimony.
- Temperature and contents significantly impact the extent of chemical leaching.
- Further research is necessary to fully elucidate contamination mechanisms in PET containers.
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