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Polymeric Composites and Microplastics: Regulatory and Toxicological Perspectives
Summary
This review examines the regulatory and toxicological dimensions of polymeric composites and microplastics, covering how chemical additives such as plasticizers, stabilizers, and flame retardants interact with polymer matrices and how environmental degradation releases these substances into ecosystems. Researchers found significant knowledge gaps regarding the impact of composite materials on marine biota and food chains, calling for standardized holistic studies under simulated environmental and landfill conditions.
Generally, plastics are inert and persistent with extended lifetime. Polymers are made of monomers and chemical additives to attain desired properties or preselected specifications. Additives used are plasticizers, stabilizers, colorants, fillers, flame retardants, etc. Polymeric materials on exposure to environmental conditions may breakup into microplastics or new chemical entities with time and facilitate uptake by marine biota throughout the food cycle. There is a vital need to carry out focused scientific research to fill the knowledge gaps about the impacts of composites and microplastics. Composites are being engineered for target applications to address sustainability issues, quality control compliances as per EU/ISO/IEC 17025:2017, OECD, American Society for Testing and Materials, Pharmacopoeias, ISO requirements and demonstrate global dependence on nonrenewable petroleum-based resources. Holistic studies are needed for standardization, validation in predesigned set conditions of plastics during simulated or landfill situations. Internationally exposure studies are in progress for devising environmental safe approaches and to explore better understanding of interactions.