Recently I talked about the dangers of lead and how, at one time, lead was used as heavily as plastic. Not anymore. Lead was discovered to be highly toxic and the use of it in products like paint, toys, and electronics drastically declined. There is concern now that we're in a similar position with plastic. Let's look at a few reasons why you might want to consider going completely plastic free.
Plastic is very much a staple in the world today but it’s definitely not a perfect product. There are a slew of toxins within many plastics, including BPA. Here are 7 dangers of plastic and how it's negatively affecting our health.
Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) is a phthalate commonly found in vinyl products. It was actually a chemical chosen to replace a similar toxin, DEHP, which was discovered to hinder genital development in baby boys. While less is known about the reproductive risks of DiNP, a recent study suggests that it can, in fact, affect male genital development. [1] This is worrisome because these concerns occur before birth. While many phthalates are banned from children’s products, the pregnant mother can still be exposed.
Studies have long suggested a connection between childhood exposure to plasticizers and asthma, but a recent Columbia University report found there is even an increased risk before birth. [2] Scientists studied the phthalate levels of pregnant women over almost a decade and found that children born to mothers with increased levels were over three times more likely to develop asthma symptoms than their counterparts. While no one really knows why the risk is higher, one theory suggests that phthalates increase airway sensitivity, essentially paving the way for asthma symptoms.
Phthalates used in plastic have even been linked to low libido in women, with a recent study even suggesting women with high levels of plasticizers were twice as likely to show less interest in sex than those with low levels. [3] While you may try to limit your exposure, phthalates are often found in everyday items like shower curtains, PVC flooring, car dashboards, and even food. These toxins are endocrine disruptors and can wreak havoc with hormone levels, so limiting your exposure is key.
An estimated 13,000 pieces of plastic litters each square kilometer of our oceans, and one huge factor to the concern are microbeads. These tiny plastic beads in many of your personal care products are only one of the environmental contaminants polluting our waters. [4] Once in the water supply (by way of your drain), the beads collect toxins. Marine life is exposed to the microplastics and the toxins enter the food chain; but it’s not just our oceans that are affected. In the U.S., the issue of microbeads has become so toxic that many states are looking at banning them.
With 6 different phthalates banned from children’s products in the U.S., the last place you’d expect to find these toxins would be in our food. Acrylamide is a fairly common plasticizer that’s been linked to cancer, and other phthalates linked to concerns with reproductive development have been appearing at unsafe levels as well. [5] No one really knows how they’re getting into the food, but somehow this is happening before it gets to your home.
BPA mimics estrogen in the body, so many people try to stay away from the toxin by using BPA-free plastics instead. A recent study suggests, however, that BPA-free plastics could also contain endocrine disruptors. In a test of fourteen resins used in plastic production, four were found to have estrogen-like properties. Not only are things like reusable water bottles and food storage containers at risk, but certain baby products may also contain the unhealthy compound. [6] Phthalates are still a huge concern in plastic packaging, but these plasticizers are also used in personal care products. [7]
Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had to crack down on some plastic bag manufacturers for making uncertain claims. The issue had to do with labeling the bags ‘oxo-degradable,’ a term that implies it’ll biodegrade when exposed to oxygen. [8] Now, it’s likely that many of these bags will, unfortunately, end up in a landfill where little oxygen is present, meaning nothing can break down. At most, the bags might fragment into small pieces, but the pollutants are still there. [9] Essentially, the bags are no more biodegradable than regular ones. Even worse, this is only the latest incident in a string of bogus claims by the plastic industry. There are so many things wrong with using plastic, and I’ve only covered 7 of them here.
Introduction In recent decades, more and more of us have realized the value of adopting…
Introduction Each and every day, your body is exposed to toxic heavy metals. These metals…
Introduction It’s no secret that your body needs calcium. After all, without enough calcium, you…
Introduction If you haven’t put the incredible health benefits of boron to work for you,…
Introduction While most of us know the benefits of taking supplements like Vitamin D3 or…
Introduction Have you heard about activated charcoal but aren’t really sure what it and how…