Plastic and Health

 

Earth is drowning with plastic. Look around you and plastic is everywhere. We are using plastic products from head to toe.  Can you think of life without plastic? 

What is Plastic, Single use Plastic, Micro-plastic ?

Plastic is a synthetic organic polymer. It is ideally suited for a wide variety of applications. Single-use plastic products (SUPs) are designed to use it once, or for a short period of time. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter. Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles.

Plastic is used by the majority of people because of ease of use, cost effective, variety, availability, durability and lack of alternatives. But concern is its impact on environment and health.

Impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in plastic on health

Plastic may contain and leach hazardous chemicals, including Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These EDCs are harmful to human health. These chemicals disturb the body’s hormone systems. Some of them are listed here -

Bisphenol A

Bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA) can be found in reusable food and beverage containers. BPA leaches from food contact materials into foods and beverages. It leaches from landfills to contaminate wastewater, groundwater, and freshwater.

Impact of BPA on Health : 

• Affect brain development and behavior
• Increase anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, inattention, behavioral problem 
• Affect fertility 
• Increase risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) 
• Increase risk of diabetes. 

Phthalates 

Phthalates are used as plasticizers in PVC consumer, medical, and building products, food and beverage packaging, and as fillers in children’s toys. Phthalates leach from items like food packaging, cosmetics and toys into the environment and into products that humans use and consume.

Impact of Phthalates on Health :

• Reduce testosterone and estrogen levels
• Block thyroid hormone action
• Decrease pregnancy and high miscarriage rates, anemia, toxemia, early menopause 
• Increase the risk of insulin resistance
• Elevate blood pressure, obesity, elevated levels of triglycerides

Perfluorinated Compounds 

Perfluorinated Compounds are widely used in water and stain-resistant clothing, food contact wrappers, cookware, food-contact materials such as non-stick cooking surfaces and food-contact papers such as pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, baking papers, and other paper wrap. PFAS leaches from wrappers and cookware into our food. It leaches from landfills to the local water system. 

 Impact of Perfluorinated Compounds Health : 

• Affect the immune systems, liver, and thyroid function 
• Alter puberty 
• Raise breast cancer risk, and ovarian cancers 
• Affect kidney, testicular, prostate function 

Dioxins 

Dioxins, considered the world’s most toxic substances. Children mouthing toys made of recycled plastic that derives from e-waste may contain Dioxin. Dioxin exposures can occur through oral, dermal and inhalation routes. 

Impact of Dioxin on Health : 

• Affect brain development 
• Disrupt thyroid and immune system functions 
• Increased risk of multiple cancers, and 
• Damage immune system 

Ways to reduce Plastic Usage 

Following are suggestions to reduce use of plastic - 

• Avoid eating foods stored in plastic 
• Carry out own water and stop buying packaged water 
• Don't use disposable plastic cups for tea/coffee 
• Always carry your own shopping bag 
• Swap out plastic containers labeled with codes 3, 6, and 7 
• Do not give young children plastic teethers or toys 
• Replace vinyl products like place mats, floors and shower curtains. 
• Do not heat plastic
• Avoid the plastic wrap whenever possible 
• Use non-plastic straws
• Shop in bulk 
• Store your food in glass or steel containers 
• Use natural fiber clothing, bedding and furniture 

Take a Step no matter how small. Follow 5Rs Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Remove. Discover more sustainable solutions and share with others. 

Do you want to check your plastic footprint ?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bohFzRdByjdFIIQ4KCtkGItScq8ioRvWUFKYnbj3-7k/edit?usp=sharing  

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Reminder 

The Prime Minister of India Hon. Narendra Modi has announced the country would completely phase out Single-use plastics (SUPs) products by July 1, 2022.

Reference : 

• https://plasticoceans.org/infographic-about-humans-eating-plastic/
• https://ipen.org/sites/default/files/documents/edc_guide_2020_v1_6ew-en.pdf

Coming soon - Significance of number on plastic goods 

Dr. Snehal Kamalapur