Most plastics do not readily break down. Scientists designed biodegradable and photodegradable plastics to decompose more quickly, but even these leave behind a plastic residue. The additives used to enable plastics to degrade also make the plastics unfit for recycling. World Book, contributed by The Polymer Institute at Steven Institute of Technology. A recent study by Consumer Reports has raised questions about the safety of plastic food wraps used in microwave ovens.
Some plastics contain chemicals that can leak into foods and interfere with our body's hormones.
While scientists differ in their assessment of the risks, most agree that consumer caution is warranted. Great Lakes Radio Consortium.