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Low Density Polyethylene Safety

Low density polyethylene is a plastic used to package inhalation drugs and also used in food packaging and on playground equipment. The FDA considers this a safe material, but it has some concerns about its continued use in drug packaging.

  1. What Is Low Density Polyethylene?

    • Low density polyethylene is a plastic made from petroleum. This plastic is soft enough to use to wrap food and hard enough to use as a protective coating. Along with being used as packaging material, low density polyethylene is commonly used to protect playground equipment.

    Low Density Polyethylene and Food Packaging

    • Low density polyethylene is used to wrap vegetables, cereal, meats and cheeses. This plastic is also used to make plastic bags used in supermarkets. According to Dow Chemicals, all polyethylene used in food stores is compliant with FDA safety standards.

    Inhalation Drug Packaging

    • The FDA has approved polyethylene for use in inhalation drug packaging as well as food packaging; however, in 2004 the FDA expressed some concerns about this practice. First, the FDA was concerned about contamination. Polyethylene is a semi-permeable plastic, and volatile materials such as inks and solvents are able to get through it. Inks used to label inhalation drugs created a contamination risk. The FDA was also concerned that the labeling of such packaging was not legible, due to the permeability issue, and that inhalation drugs looked too similar to injectable drugs packaged with the same material.

    Playground Equipment

    • The National Institute of Building Sciences recommends that playground equipment be protected by both high density and low density polyethylene. Low density polyethylene is considered safe for children.

    Eye and Skin Contact

    • According to the Material Safety Data Sheet for low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene can irritate the eyes during production. Manufacturing personnel should wear eye guards and consult a doctor if eyes become irritated. Molten low density polyethylene can severely burn skin; anyone coming in contact with it in this form should seek medical attention immediately.

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