A nually pproximately 12 million metric tons of plastic resins are processed anin the U.S. by more than 7000 plastics processing plants. Many types of resins, chemicals, and additives are combined to produde finished products through a variety of process operations such as adhesives production, coating, extrusion, film and sheet production, foam generation, lamination, and molding. Hughes et al...

Plastics in the pharmaceutical industry are as ubiquitous as endotoxins. From solution containers to medical devices, plastics are not just commonplace. they are often the best material for the application. Because plastics are formed at very high temperatures that easily destroy endotoxins, plastics should be expected to be endotoxin-free. Unfortunately, the often excessive and usually uncontr...

Despite concern about the harmful effects of substances contained in various plastic consumer products, little attention has focused on the more heavily exposed women working in the plastics industry. Through a review of the toxicology, industrial hygiene, and epidemiology literatures in conjunction with qualitative research, this article explores occupational exposures in producing plastics an...

Silicones are used in the plastics industry as additives for improving the processing and surface properties of plastics, as well as the rubber phase in a novel family of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) materials. As additives, silicones, and in particular polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), are used to improve mold filling, surface appearance, mold release, surface lubricity and wear resistance. As t...

OBJECTIVES To study the occurrence of non-malignant diseases and solid cancers in workers exposed to styrene in the Danish reinforced plastics industry. METHODS All 36,610 workers of 386 reinforced plastics companies and 14,293 workers not exposed to styrene from similar industries were followed up from 1970 to 1990. This industry is characterised by simple exposure conditions, exposure to hi...

sumers all seem to agree on. Concern for the environment is no longer a fringe issue that interests only a small segment of the population, and industries – including plastics – have taken heed. Lessening the impact on the environment often results in cost savings, in particular when it comes to saving energy, a key element in the environmental improvement equation. The fact is, increasing ener...

Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight and durable materials, which can readily be moulded into a variety of products that find use in a wide range of applications. As a consequence, the production of plastics has increased markedly over the last 60 years. However, current levels of their usage and disposal generate several environmental problems. Around 4 per cent of world oil and gas productio...