Take a moment to glance around you. From the keyboard under your fingertip and the water bottle on your desk, plastic is everywhere. It’s evidence of our efforts to increase convenience and innovation in our everyday lives. But hidden within the very items we depend on lies a silent threat – plasticizers. These seemingly harmless additives are used to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics, yet many do not realize the potential harm they can cause. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the world of plasticizers and unveil their presence in our surroundings, shed light on their impact, and consider steps to take to mitigate their risks.
Plasticizers are the unrecognized heroes of the plastic world, allowing for the flexibility and durability we often take for granted. However, the most common of these plasticizers, such as phthalates and bisphenols like Bisphenol A (BPA), have been found not only in household products but also in our bodies.
Phthalates, for example, are everywhere in our daily lives. They are present in PVC consumer goods, such as toys, furniture, and household appliances, as well as personal care products, medications, and food packaging. Phthalates, however, leech from these items into the environment and even into people via oral ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.
It was found that phthalates promote adverse health effects, as they can disrupt hormone systems and cycles, which pose a significant risk to human health, with links to cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments in developing fetuses and children. The widespread use of phthalates has also been correlated with trends in acute and chronic diseases and deaths related to exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals. In particular, they reduce testosterone and estrogen levels, block thyroid hormone action, and have been identified as reproductive toxicants, which impact fertility across multiple generations.
Applications of phthalates. EarthHero - Accessed April 2, 2024 - URL: https://earthhero.com/blogs/blog/what-are-phthalates
Similarly, bisphenols, specifically BPA, are commonly used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins found in food and beverage containers, medical equipment, and even thermal paper receipts. Like phthalates, BPA can leech from these products into our food and beverages, leading to increased exposure.
The consequences of BPA exposure are equally troubling, as evidence suggests links to adverse reproductive outcomes, behavioral issues, and increased risk of various cancers. Research has also associated BPA exposure to conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), resulting in irregular menstrual cycles and sexual dysfunction in men.
Despite these risks and growing awareness of the dangers posed by plasticizers, their presence in our daily lives remains prevalent. Consumer Reports’ recent study on bisphenols and phthalates supports this, as it has determined that many food products contain significant amounts of BPA and phthalate groups. Though progress has been made since 2009, the widespread presence of these chemicals in our everyday lives is still a cause for concern. Thus, as consumers, we must advocate for safer options and make informed choices above the products we bring into our homes. Some steps to take are:
Choose safer alternatives: Opt for products labeled as phthalate-free or BPA-free whenever possible. Look for alternatives that include materials like glass, stainless steel, or silicone. By supporting companies that prioritize the use of non-toxic materials, consumers can drive demand for safer products.
Reduce plastic usage: Minimize the use of single-use plastics in favor of reusable alternatives. This will decrease our exposure to plasticizers and lessen the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Start using reusable water bottles, bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, and avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging.
Advocate for regulation: Support legislation aimed at reducing the use of harmful chemicals in consumer products. Advocate for stricter regulation on the use of phthalates and bisphenols in plastics.
By taking these steps, we as individuals can play a crucial role in reducing our exposure to these harmful plasticizers and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment and future for all.