Is it safe to live in apartments that use recycled plastic insulation or interior materials?

What's actually in it

Modern buildings sometimes use recycled plastic pellets for insulation, decking boards, flooring, and interior fixtures. The recycling process doesn't remove the chemical additives in the original plastic. New testing shows these recycled materials carry phthalates, non-phthalate plasticizers, and organophosphate flame retardants from whatever the plastic was before.

Renters usually don't know what's in the walls. Building material disclosure is patchy.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Sci Total Environ quantified phthalates, non-phthalate plasticizers, and organophosphates in recycled plastic pellets. Recycled material had measurable levels of these chemicals. When used in buildings, the chemicals off-gas into indoor air over years.

For renters, a HEPA air purifier with activated carbon handles most chemical off-gassing that you can't control at the building level. Ventilate regularly: open windows for 10 minutes daily, even in winter. Avoid adding more plastic to the indoor chemistry (no vinyl flooring, PVC shower curtains, or synthetic carpet if you have any choice). For new builds or major renovations, ask about materials and prefer wood, natural stone, and natural fiber insulation.