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The use of plastics is rapidly being abandoned all over the world. But why is plastic considered so bad?
Plastic is a synthetic substance that is both simple and cheap to produce. Its lightweight, durability and usefulness make it a favourite substance in packing and manufacturing. On the other hand, the uncontrolled use of plastic materials in society leads to more problems than it solves.
One of the most common problems is that it is not biodegradable, so as a consequence it pollutes the environment and threatens living organisms. Besides the ecological aspects, plastics can also be harmful to human health.
Recent study: Plastics & your health
According to scientists there are several related risks to plastics. Contact with the chemicals found in plastic containers can be more harmful than expected and usually is associated with heart diseases and cancer. Here are some of the health hazards with plastic:
Bisphenol A, known as BPA can lead to heart problems. It was also confirmed that BPA plays a role in diabetes and some forms of liver disease. The most susceptible to these negative effects of Bisphenol A are infants, children and the elderly. BPA can wreck havoc on human hormones which can eventually lead to structural brain damage, higher risk of obesity, reproductive problems, increased aggression and hyperactivity, and even impaired functions of the immune system. BPA can be found in some plastic water bottles and some plastic toys.
It is believed that Polyethylene is carcinogenic (cancer causing). It is a substance found in shopping bags, disposable bottles and glasses, chewing gum and toys.
Reducing exposure
Although plastics are harmful to our health, it is quite impossible and impractical to completely banish their use from our daily lives. There are some possible alternatives we can use in order to substitute plastic or minimize the risks. Just remember:
- Avoid using plastic food containers marked on the bottom with the recycling label No. 7; they may contain bisphenol A. Not all No. 7 products contain the chemical, but this is a reasonable guideline for a category of plastics to avoid, especially for children's use. Plastics with the recycling labels No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 do not contain bisphenol A.
- Use glass baby bottles and dishes.
- Don't microwave food in plastic containers.
- Toss out old, scratched plastic dishes and containers. Don't wash plastic dishes in the dishwasher or using strong detergents, which can speed up wear and tear.
- Shop with recycled cloth tote bags instead of store bags. If you must use plastic bags, return them to the store for recycling when you're done with them.
