Packaging is less toxic than it used to be, but more work needs to be done, according to a new report.
Fifty-eight packaging samples, or 14.2 percent of all samples, failed tests for cadmium, lead, mercury and/or hexavalent chromium, according to the report by the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse.
New Jersey, a clearinghouse member, is one of 19 states with laws that prohibit the sale or distribution of packaging with cadmium, lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium that are added on purpose, the report says.
The laws also set limits on the incidental presence of the four metals in packaging.
The laws are aimed at preventing the use of toxic heavy metals in packaging materials that enter landfills, waste incinerators, recycling streams and, ultimately, the environment, according to the report.
Cadmium and hexavalent chromium are known to cause cancer in humans, among other health problems, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Lead and mercury target the nervous system and cause other health effects.
Packaging components that failed screening tests generally fell into one of three groups: imported flexible PVC, inks and colorants, and solder used in electronic circuitry, according to the clearinghouse report.
Cadmium was detected most often, followed by lead.
Testing did not detect excessive heavy metals in any paper-based packaging components. Testing of semi-rigid PVC packaging components, such as blister packs, clamshells and boxes, also did not reveal any problems, according to the report.
The clearinghouse notified 33 companies that their packaging failed tests, and 39 percent of the companies confirmed that their packages did not comply with state laws and discontinued their sale and distribution, the report says.
File photo by Andrew Ong