Is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene safe when eaten by a child?

Styrene, a component of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

Why here

While ABS plastic is generally stable, residual styrene monomer can migrate in very small quantities, especially from food packaging, which children may ingest.

What would have to be true

Ingestion of styrene monomer that has migrated from ABS products, although typically in very small quantities.

Acrylonitrile, a component of ABS, is toxic by ingestion and can break down in the body to release cyanide, which can lead to cellular asphyxiation and acute toxic effects such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and in severe cases, tremors, collapse, and death.

Why here

While ABS is generally stable, residual acrylonitrile monomer can be ingested, and its metabolism can lead to cyanide release, posing a risk, particularly if exposure levels are high.

What would have to be true

Ingestion of acrylonitrile, particularly in higher concentrations, though exposure from ABS products is typically very low and regulated.

Children are potentially exposed to and ingest microplastics from various sources, including plastic toys and baby bottles made from materials like ABS, with studies suggesting infants can ingest millions of microplastic particles daily, and these particles can transport dangerous chemicals.

Why here

ABS is a common plastic used in children's toys and other products that children may put in their mouths, leading to the potential for microplastic generation and ingestion as the plastic degrades over time.

What would have to be true

Ingestion of microplastic particles from plastic products, particularly by infants and toddlers who frequently mouth objects and are exposed to household dust.

Acrylonitrile, a component of ABS, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) based on sufficient evidence in experimental animals and inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in humans.

Why here

Residual amounts of acrylonitrile monomer may be present in products manufactured with ABS, and these levels are regulated in food packaging, but can be ingested by children.

What would have to be true

Ingestion of acrylonitrile monomer that has migrated from ABS products, although typically in very low, regulated quantities.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is considered a safe plastic for skin contact, with no known adverse health effects reported from long exposure to the material, and is approved by the FDA as a low-risk material for medical devices that contact intact skin.

Why here

ABS is widely used in cosmetic packaging and medical device housings designed for prolonged skin contact.

What would have to be true

Direct and prolonged contact with finished ABS plastic products.

Toxic chemicals, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used as flame retardants, can leach from microplastics and nanoplastics (potentially shed from ABS products) into human sweat and be absorbed through the skin, contributing to the body burden of these chemicals which are linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and cancer.

Why here

Dermal leave-on products or items made of ABS can shed micro/nanoplastics, and skin contact allows for leaching and absorption of associated chemicals, especially with hydrated skin.

What would have to be true

Dermal contact with microplastics/nanoplastics containing these additives, particularly on sweaty or compromised skin.

Residual styrene monomer in ABS-made items can be released and absorbed through the skin during prolonged contact, potentially causing skin irritation and, in significant exposures, central nervous system depression.

Why here

ABS is a copolymer of styrene, and while generally safe, residual monomer might leach from finished products during prolonged dermal leave-on contact.

What would have to be true

Prolonged dermal contact with ABS products that may leach residual styrene.

The other side

The health impacts from styrene exposure from ABS items are considered "nearly zero" if the material is produced with effective formulation and a low proportion of styrene.

ABS plastic products in ambient household use can degrade over time due to wear and tear or UV exposure, releasing microplastic particles into the environment.

Why here

Household items made of ABS, such as appliance housings and toys, are subject to physical abrasion and environmental factors like sunlight, even indoors, which can lead to the breakdown and shedding of microplastics.

What would have to be true

Regular use and degradation of ABS products in a typical household setting.