Plastics - Now inside your body
We're no longer talking about plastic waste dumped in the Pacific,
forming a garbage patch twice the size of Texas.
Now we're talking about plastics that have entered your body.
Here's what they can do to you..
The health risks associated with plastics are a growing area of
concern for scientists and public health officials. The risks stem
from both the chemical additives used to make plastics and from the
physical presence of plastic particles themselves inside the body.
Here is a breakdown of the primary health risks from plastics:
1. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Plastics are not just a single material; they contain a wide variety
of chemical additives that are not chemically bound to the polymer.
These chemicals can leach out over time and enter the human body,
where they can act as endocrine disruptors.
Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in hard plastics like polycarbonate (often
marked with a recycling symbol #7) and the lining of some food and
beverage cans. BPA can mimic the hormone estrogen, leading to concerns
about its effects on brain development, reproduction, and potential
links to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make plastics like PVC (#3)
more flexible and are found in everything from food packaging to
medical tubing and children's toys. Phthalates can interfere with the
body's hormonal systems, with studies linking them to adverse effects
on male reproductive health, early puberty, and an increased risk of
asthma and allergies.
2. Microplastics and Nanoplastics
When plastics break down, they don't disappear; they fragment into
smaller and smaller pieces. These tiny particles can be ingested,
inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
Physical Damage: Microplastics, particularly those with sharp edges,
can physically irritate, inflame, and even puncture cells. They have
been found in human organs, including the lungs, heart, brain,
placenta, and even breast milk.
Carrier for Other Toxins: Microplastics can act as a carrier for
harmful chemicals. They can attract and absorb pollutants from the
environment, which are then released into the body when the plastic
particle is present.
Cellular Disruption: Research on the health effects of these particles
is ongoing, but studies have linked them to oxidative stress, DNA
damage, and chronic inflammation. A recent study published in the New
England Journal of Medicine found that the presence of microplastics
in blood vessels may double the risk of heart attack or stroke in
people with heart disease.
3. Exposure Pathways
Plastic chemicals and particles can enter the body through several routes:
Ingestion: The most common way. Chemicals can leach from plastic
containers into food and drinks, especially when heated. Microplastics
are also found in drinking water, seafood, and other food products.
Inhalation: Microplastic fibers from synthetic clothing and household
dust can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause inflammation
and other respiratory problems.
Dermal Absorption: Certain chemicals, particularly from personal care
products and cosmetics packaged in plastic, can be absorbed through
the skin.
While the full long-term health effects of widespread plastic exposure
are still being studied, the consensus among scientists is that
plastics pose a significant public health risk.
Tech Notes:
Content written and posted by Ken Abbott abbottsystems@gmail.com
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