More than one quarter of plastic nets used for packing fruit and vegetables in Ireland had levels of heavy metals exceeding the limits set by the EU, a Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) study has found.
This poses an environmental rather than a health risk, according to the CAI. In Ireland, the nets are used for packing oranges, onions, lemons, garlic and nuts. The research was also conducted in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
A total of 300 samples were tested from all six countries. Ireland had the highest levels, with 25 per cent of samples containing more than 250 ppm heavy metals (concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium in packaging). Belgium had 13.5 per cent while in Spain only 2 per cent of the nets exceeded the limit.
It was found that only tiny amounts of heavy metals moved into solution so, for instance, if the net gets wet or a piece of fruit bursts, it would not pose any health risk, according to this month's Consumer Choice, the CAI magazine. It was cause for environmental concern since the nets would usually end up in landfill.
"Coloured nets are an unnecessary waste. This type of waste could be avoided by simply not using them. Alternatively, manufacturers could reduce their harmful potential by removing the heavy metals and just use clear plastic," says the CAI.
Heavy metals such as lead are found as a compound with chromium in nets and used as pigments. They are inexpensive and lead to bright colours, such as lead chromate (yellow) and lead oxide-chromate (orange to red).
The 250 ppm limit came into effect in June 1999, but lower limits will come into effect in June when the maximum will drop to 100 ppm.