End-of-life problems arise from plastic products left lying around

Research shows that as plastics decay, they leach harmful heavy metals. — AFP

Here's the good news: toxic substances used to make plastics do not contaminate food or beverage significantly, and pose no immediate threat to consumers. But the bad news is those plastic products may cause health concerns decades after they’ve been used and discarded.

The findings, from Iowa State University researchers, highlight the need to use properly sourced plastics and increase recycling efforts to reduce the overall environmental impact.