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Assessment of The Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Plastic Additives Used in Plastic Manufacturing in Vietnam
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Abstract
The plastics manufacturing industry in Vietnam has expanded rapidly, reaching nearly 11.13 million tons by 2025, leading to the widespread use of additives such as phthalates, bisphenols, flame retardants, heavy metal stabilizers, etc. Although these substances improve the properties of plastic products, they pose serious risks to the environment and human health. This study surveys the current status of plastic additive use in Vietnam, classifies the main types of additives, examines their emission mechanisms into the environment through production, use, and disposal stages, and assesses their impacts on air, soil, water, and human health. The results show that plastic additives can be emitted through industrial emissions, waste incineration emissions, leachate, microplastics, and indoor dust; leading to environmental pollution, bioaccumulation, and human exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. The study also proposes several management solutions, alternative technologies, and policies, such as applying green chemistry, regulating the concentrations of toxic substances, ensuring transparency in the chemical composition of plastic products, and improving the collection and recycling of plastic waste. These measures aim to minimize the use of toxic additives, thereby limiting negative impacts on the environment and public health.
Keywords
Bisphenol A, environment, human health, phthalates, plastic additives
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References
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