Dr. Roopa Krithivasan - Polyester and PET Plastic Can Be Unsafe, Unjust and Unstainable

Dr. Roopa Krithivasan, recently published a 68 page report called Problem Plastic: How Polyester and PET Plastic Can Be Unsafe, Unjust and Unsustainable Materials. Dr. Krithivasan is the Director of Research for Defend Our Health and has a background in social, ecological and conservation research.

Dr. Krithivasan discusses the hidden health hazards from the hundreds of chemicals used to make plastics. For instance, antimony is a chemical used in the plastic finishing process for PET and polyester (plastic bottles, clothing, stuffed animals, packaging), and it is toxic to the liver and heart. More than 99% of PET and polyester is made from non-renewable fossil gas and oil and is very often created in plants located next to "fenceline communities." Serious environmental justice issues have been created In these exposed communities. Often young children and people of color face the greatest harm from the chemicals used in the plastic plants next door.

Roopa Krithivasan calls for greater corporate responsibility with regard to reducing and/or eliminating the toxics used in plastics production.