From Ecopedia

About

Polycarbonate plastics is a group of high-performance, lightweight thermoplastic polymers, possessing unique capabilities of dimensional stability, toughness, superior heat resistance, optical clarity as well as high electrical resistance.^{[1] [2]}As polycarbonate plastics can be easily thermoformed and moulded, a wide range of applications areas exist for the polymer group. Some common applications include:

• Digital media equipment including DVDs and CDs
• Electronic equipment
• Construction glazing
• Automobiles
• Medical equipment, and
• Sports safety kits
• Tableware
• Reusable bottles
• Microwave-safe food storage containers that can be stored in refrigerators^[3]

Polycarbonate Plastics are most commonly made from Bisphenol A (BPA), possessing special attributes such as high durability, shatter-resistance, high impact-resistance, low-scratch resistance, supporting larger temperature ranges, high transparency to visible light and superior light transmitting capabilities. BPA material can also be used to make “bullet-resistant” glass laminations. ^[4]

Environmental Perspective

Main Article: Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) being the key component in polycarbonate plastics, extensive research conducted on BPA showed some environmental risks associated with BPA.

Research showed BPA’s potential to migrate from various polycarbonate products into food and beverages, although the migration potential is found to be generally less. (Ref: ^[5]

Effects on the environment

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Impact on Marine Life

BPA is found to significantly affect the growth, reproduction as well as development of freshwater organisms such as fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates as well as reptiles. Endocrine-related affects due to BPA content are also most common in aquatic organisms. ^[6] Ocean-borne plastic waste containing polycarbonate products with BPA content, could lead to significant environmental contamination.

Soil and Water Contamination

BPA can also significantly contaminate on both soil and water, which directly harms species who depend on these resources. BPA contaminated soil and water have been shown to affect the development and reproduction of insects and aquatic mammals who rely on these ecosystems.

Soil can be contaminated by BPA when BPA interferes with the nitrogen fixation process of leguminous plants. This in turn affects the development of the soil and also contributes to lack of minerals found in soil. In addition to polluting both Soil and Marine life, BPA’s presence in municipal waste water, leads to high water pollution.

BPA Degradation

Polycarbonate plastic degradation occurs in products usually after repeated heating or washing over a period of time. With repeated heating and washing of polycarbonate plastic products, BPA leaching increases, which ultimately affects the bio-health of the planet. ^[7]

References

1. ↑ http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/polyplastics.html
2. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate
3. ↑ http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/polyplastics.html
4. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate
5. ↑ http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/polyplastics.html
6. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A
7. ↑ http://www.husbandhood.net/harmful-chemical-leaching-from-popular-brands-of-plastic-baby-bottles/