The 7 Dangers of Plastic
Plastic is a common material in our daily lives, but it’s far from perfect. Many plastics contain harmful toxins, including BPA. Here are seven ways plastic negatively impacts our health.
Chemicals in Plastic Disfigure Genitals
Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) is a phthalate often found in vinyl products. It was introduced as a replacement for DEHP, a chemical known to hinder genital development in baby boys. Although less is known about DiNP’s reproductive risks, recent studies suggest it can also affect male genital development, which is particularly concerning as these issues arise before birth. While many phthalates are banned in children’s products, pregnant women can still be exposed.
Plastic Increases the Risk of Childhood Asthma
Research has long indicated a link between childhood exposure to plasticizers and asthma. A recent report from Columbia University found that the risk begins even before birth. Scientists studied the phthalate levels in pregnant women over nearly a decade and discovered that children born to mothers with higher levels of these chemicals were over three times more likely to develop asthma symptoms. Although the exact reason for this increased risk is unknown, one theory is that phthalates heighten airway sensitivity, leading to asthma symptoms.
Chemicals in Plastic Kill Female Libido
Phthalates in plastic have been linked to low libido in women. A recent study found that women with high levels of plasticizers were twice as likely to have a reduced interest in sex compared to those with lower levels. Despite efforts to limit exposure, phthalates are present in everyday items like shower curtains, PVC flooring, car dashboards, and even food. These toxins disrupt endocrine function and can significantly affect hormone levels, making it crucial to minimize exposure.
Plastic is Destroying our Waterways
An estimated 13,000 pieces of plastic litter each square kilometer of our oceans, with microbeads being a significant contributor. These tiny plastic beads, found in many personal care products, pollute our waters once they enter the water supply through drains. The beads collect toxins, which then enter the food chain through marine life. This issue isn’t limited to oceans; in the U.S., the problem has become so severe that many states are considering banning microbeads.
Plastic Has Infiltrated Food
Despite the ban on six different phthalates in children’s products in the U.S., these toxins are still found in our food. Acrylamide, a common plasticizer linked to cancer, and other phthalates associated with reproductive development issues have been detected at unsafe levels. The exact mechanism of how these chemicals enter our food is unclear, but it happens before the food reaches our homes.
Plastic Destroys Hormonal Balance
BPA, a chemical in many plastics, mimics estrogen in the body. To avoid this toxin, many people use BPA-free plastics. However, a recent study suggests that BPA-free plastics might also contain endocrine disruptors. In tests of fourteen resins used in plastic production, four were found to have estrogen-like properties. This means that reusable water bottles, food storage containers, and even certain baby products might contain harmful compounds. Phthalates remain a significant concern in plastic packaging and personal care products.
You Simply Can’t Trust the Plastic Industry
Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had to address misleading claims by some plastic bag manufacturers. These companies labeled their bags as ‘oxo-degradable,’ implying they would biodegrade when exposed to oxygen. However, many of these bags end up in landfills where there is little oxygen, preventing them from breaking down. At best, the bags might fragment into smaller pieces, but the pollutants remain. This incident is just one example of the plastic industry’s dubious claims. There are numerous issues with using plastic, and these are just seven of them.
