It’s an understatement to say that plastic is ubiquitous. We are exposed to plastic every day of our lives and carry byproducts in our bloodstream. This exposure begins before birth and continues until the day we die. Plastic manufacturing began in the 1800’s and modern life without plastic is nearly unimaginable.
While I’m not an alarmist by nature, I am concerned about the degree with which plastic touches our lives and the medical issues that may arise as a result of exposure to harmful chemicals. First, some background information about plastic. There are many types of plastic; from Polycarbonate (PC) to Polypropylene and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) as well as too many more to list. The danger of plastic lies in the migration of chemicals within the plastic to our food and water supply.
Some sources of plastic exposure:
| Plastic | Common Uses | Adverse Effects |
| PVC | Water pipes, food packaging, pacifiers, toys, garden hoses | Cancer, Birth Defects, Ulcers, Liver Disease, Skin Issues |
| Phthalates | Paint, footwear, vinyl flooring. surgical gloves, ink | Thyroid Disease, Cancer, Asthma, Infertility, Endometriosis, Birth Defects |
| PC with BPA | Water Bottles | Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Early Onset Puberty, Diabetes, Obesity, ADHD |
| Polystyrene | Packing peanuts, food containers, CD cases, building insulation, toys | Leukemia and Lymphoma |
| Polyethylene | Water and Soda Bottles, carpet, chewing gum, food packaging, kitchenware, plastic bags, squeeze bottles, toys | Carcinogenic (cancer-causing) |
| Polyester | Bedding, clothing, food packaging, disposable diapers, tampons, upholstery | Allergy and Skin Issues |
| Tetrafluoroethelyne | Non-Stick Cookware, Plumbing | Respiratory Issues |
As you can see, plastic literally touches every part of our lives. It is frightening to think that the flame retardant pajamas we dress our babies in is coated with plastic. The dental sealants we use to prevent cavities leech BPA into our little ones’ bloodstream. Why is there more cancer, dementia and allergy? Could it be environmental? There is mounting evidence that plastic may play a role in the development of many diseases.
Recent emails and television programs have discussed the dangers of Bisphenol A (BPA). Introduced in 1891, BPA is a monomer used in the production of plastic. BPA leeches out of plastic and is associated with some scary health issues. Believe it or not, BPA is implicated in many chromosomal aberrations and may be the leading cause of miscarriage in the world. Even more worrisome, BPA has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Dementia and breast cancer. BPA has estrogenic effects that stimulate the growth of hormone sensitive tumors such as cancers of the breast, ovaries and prostate.
What Can You Do?
First, be realistic. You’re not going to eliminate plastic exposure entirely. Here are some practical tips to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals:
- Purchase BPA-free plasticware and water bottles.
- Use glass food storage if possible.
- Eat on real plates, not the paper ones coated in plastic.
- Drink beverages out of glassware, not Solo cups.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables; they’re often coated in a chemical which contains plastic to make your produce shiny.
- Never, ever microwave plastic. Microwaving increases migration of the chemicals out of plastic and into your body.
- Use aluminum foil in place of plastic wrap whenever possible.
- Do not wash plasticware in the dishwasher (heat releases chemicals).
- Use a refillable Aluminum water bottle.
- Buy natural fiber clothing, bedding and furniture.
