Omar Khalid
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no secret that it poses a threat to the environment. But did you know that certain kinds of plastic can also be harmful to human health? Plastics contain and leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with the body's hormone systems, causing a range of health issues including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments. EDCs are found in a variety of plastic products, from food packaging to children's toys, and their impact on human health is a growing global concern. With plastic production projected to increase, the exposure to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals is only expected to become more prevalent, affecting both current and future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of chemicals | Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) |
| Examples of EDCs | Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, PFAS, dioxins, UV-stabilizers, toxic metals (e.g. lead, cadmium), alkylphenols, styrene, and bisphenols |
| Products containing EDCs | Food containers, water bottles, food can linings, medical equipment, sports equipment, eyeglass lenses, thermal paper receipts, plastic water pipes, pesticides, industrial cleaners, detergents, personal care products, adhesives, paints, air fresheners, construction materials, packaging, household products, medical products, electronics, textiles, automobiles, cosmetics, children's toys |
| Effects on the body | Interference with the endocrine system, which regulates hormones and glands; can cause cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, neurological impairments in developing fetuses and children, learning disabilities, obesity, and more |
| Exposure | Universal; almost everyone has EDCs in their bodies |
| Prevention | Wash hands frequently, especially before eating; shop at farmers' markets or stores that offer loose products in bulk bins and allow the use of sturdy containers from home (e.g. glass or stainless steel); eat organic food when possible |
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What You'll Learn
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins
- Phthalates are used in flexible plastics like vinyl
- Alkylphenols are found in pesticides, industrial cleaners, and detergents
- Bioplastics/biodegradable plastics contain similar chemical additives as conventional plastics
- Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals such as heavy metals
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins
Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a chemical produced in large quantities primarily for the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate is a strong and durable plastic that can consist of up to 90% BPA by mass. The process of polymerisation converts individual molecules of BPA into large polymer chains, effectively trapping them.
BPA is used in various products, including shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and epoxy resins that coat metal food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through their diet, as BPA can leach into food and beverages from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, and baby bottles.
BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) that can interfere with the body's hormone systems. EDCs can mimic, block, or disrupt the normal functioning of hormones, leading to potential health risks. Studies have linked EDC exposure to a higher likelihood of preterm birth, disruptions in insulin function, and reduced IQ in children. The endocrine system is responsible for releasing precise quantities of hormones at specific times to trigger the required response in the body. When EDCs enter the body, they can disrupt this precise process and cause adverse health effects.
To reduce exposure to BPA, it is recommended to avoid microwaving polycarbonate plastic food containers, as high temperatures can cause the plastic to break down over time. Additionally, reducing the consumption of canned foods and opting for glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers, especially for hot food or liquids, can help minimize BPA exposure. It is also advised to use baby bottles that are labelled as BPA-free.
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Phthalates are used in flexible plastics like vinyl
Plastic is everywhere, from food packaging to phone cases. Unfortunately, many plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can leach out and enter the body, potentially endangering human health. Phthalates are one such group of EDCs, and they are commonly used in flexible plastics like vinyl.
Phthalates are industrial chemicals that add flexibility and resilience to consumer and building products, particularly those made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl plastic. About 90% of phthalates are used in vinyl, and they are widely used in vinyl building products and other consumer and commercial goods. They are derived from alcohols with 7-13 carbon atoms, which gives them increased durability and permanence. Phthalates are not chemically bound to vinyl, so they can leach, migrate, or evaporate into indoor air and household dust. This means humans can be exposed to phthalates through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact.
Phthalates are used in flexible vinyl because they make the material more durable and flexible. They are tightly bound into the structure of the vinyl and do not easily migrate or evaporate. This makes them useful for products that require high performance and long-lasting wear. Flexible PVC can consist of over 85% phthalates by mass, and it is used in a variety of applications, including roofing membranes, flooring, wall coverings, electrical cord insulation, and automotive interiors.
Phthalates are also found in food packaging, such as PVC tubing, vinyl gloves used in food handling, and takeout containers. Studies have shown that exposure to phthalates is greater from ingestion of certain foods than from exposure via water bottles. Fatty foods like milk, butter, and meats are a major source of phthalates. One study found that individuals who had eaten at a fast-food restaurant had much higher levels of two separate phthalates in their urine samples.
The health effects of phthalates are a growing concern. Large observational studies have linked phthalate exposure to a higher likelihood of preterm birth and disruptions in insulin function, implicating these chemicals in diabetes. Studies have also found links between phthalates and respiratory problems, including asthma in children. In addition, animal studies have shown that phthalates can cause DNA modifications that have repercussions across multiple generations. Due to these health and environmental concerns, there is a growing trend towards phthalate-free alternatives for flexible vinyl products.
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Alkylphenols are found in pesticides, industrial cleaners, and detergents
Plastic is known to contain and leach hazardous chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that threaten human health. EDCs are chemicals that disturb the body's hormone systems and can cause cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments of developing fetuses and children.
Alkylphenols are one such group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They are used to make alkylphenol ethoxylates, which are widely employed as industrial surfactants. Alkylphenols are also used as emulsifiers for polymerization, detergents, and pesticides, as well as in the processing of wool and metals.
Alkylphenols have been classified as endocrine disruptors due to their weak estrogen-like activities. They can mimic or disrupt estrogen hormones, altering biological processes that are generally controlled by estrogen, such as cell communication and protein formation. Studies have shown that exposure to high concentrations of alkylphenols can negatively impact the male reproductive system, and alkylphenols have been detected in human urine samples.
The presence of alkylphenols in pesticides can lead to their entry into certain foods. For example, in Sweden, they were found more prevalently in fruits, vegetables, and cereals, while in Taiwan, they were more common in meat and fish. Alkylphenols have also been detected in blood serum and breast milk samples from breastfeeding women.
The widespread use of alkylphenols in industrial cleaners and detergents means that their breakdown products are now found throughout the natural environment, especially in waterways, where they are impacting the reproductive systems of some aquatic organisms.
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Bioplastics/biodegradable plastics contain similar chemical additives as conventional plastics
Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are often promoted as more ecological alternatives to conventional plastics. However, research suggests that bioplastics and biodegradable plastics contain similar chemical additives as conventional plastics and may have similar endocrine-disrupting effects.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a group of synthetic chemicals found in plastics that can interfere with the body's hormone systems. These chemicals can leach out of plastic products, such as water bottles and food containers, and enter the human body, potentially endangering human health. EDCs have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments in developing fetuses and children.
Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are made from a variety of materials, including plant-based sources such as corn starch, rice starch, cellulose, and soy protein. They can also be produced using chemical synthesis from sugar derivatives, lipids, and other renewable raw materials. While bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are designed to be more environmentally friendly, there are concerns about the chemicals they contain and their potential impact on human health.
Research has found that bioplastics and biodegradable plastics can exhibit similar toxicity to conventional plastics. Samples of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics have been shown to contain over 1000 unique chemical features, including plastic additives, lubricants, and other substances. These chemicals can have toxicological effects, with two-thirds of the samples inducing baseline toxicity and oxidative stress.
While the development of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics offers a promising alternative to conventional plastics, further research is needed to understand the chemicals they contain and their potential impact on human health and the environment. In conclusion, while bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are marketed as sustainable options, they may contain similar chemical additives as conventional plastics, and their potential endocrine-disrupting effects should be carefully considered.
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Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals such as heavy metals
Plastics are known to contain and leach hazardous chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that threaten human health. These EDCs are endocrine disruptors such as PFAS, BPA, and phthalates, which interfere with the human endocrine system, a network of hormones and glands that regulate bodily functions.
Microplastics, tiny particles broken down from larger pieces of plastics, are ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants. They have been found to carry harmful chemicals such as heavy metals. The sorption of metals onto microplastics is influenced by the physicochemical properties of the microplastics, the chemical properties of the metal, and the chemistry of the environmental medium.
Microplastics have been detected with various heavy metals on their surfaces, including Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and As. These heavy metals have been found in fish and other animals, indicating the potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain. Pb, for example, can affect the nervous system by damaging brain cells, while Cd can deposit in the kidneys and liver, causing kidney disease.
The presence of heavy metals on microplastics is a growing concern due to their potential toxic effects on living organisms, including humans. The combined toxic effects of microplastics and heavy metals have been discussed, but the mechanisms driving these interactions and their risks to living organisms are still poorly understood.
To address the potential hazards posed by microplastics and heavy metals, further research is needed to comprehend the interactions between them and their impact on human health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
EDCs are chemicals that disturb the body's hormone systems and can cause serious health issues, including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments of developing fetuses and children.
Plastics with recycling codes #3, #6, or #7 contain phthalates, styrene, and bisphenols, respectively. Bisphenol A and phthalate esters are used as additives in the manufacture of plastic materials. Flexible vinyl (PVC #3) often contains phthalates.
EDCs can leach from plastic food packaging and storage containers directly into fatty ingredients. They can also enter the body through the oil in sweat and the skin.
