Adverse Health Effects From The Use Of Plastics:
Daily exposure to plastics is something that most of us rarely think about and yet a accumulation of these exposures have been traced to some very serious physical ailments. Cancers, a higher incidence of heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities in adults, brain and hormone development problems in fetuses and young children, birth defects and reproduction problems, immune system suppression and genetic changes, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, skin diseases, deafness, vision failure and gastrointestinal problems. All these above can be linked to contact with food packaging, plastic wrap, containers for toiletries, cosmetics, pacifiers, baby bottles, teething rings, crib bumpers, toys, shower curtains, water pipes, garden hoses, auto upholstery, inflatable swimming pools, softened vinyl products manufactured with phthalates include vinyl clothing, footwear, emulsion paint, floor tiles, vinyl flooring, printing inks, blood bags and tubing, IV containers and components, surgical gloves, breathing tubes, general purpose lab ware, inhalation masks, many other medical devices and home devices.
Below is a list of common plastics, their uses and side effects...
Plastic: Polyvinyl chloride (#3PVC)
Common Uses: Food packaging, plastic wrap, containers for toiletries, cosmetics, crib bumpers, floor tiles, pacifiers, shower curtains, toys, water pipes, garden hoses, auto upholstery, inflatable swimming pools.
Adverse Health Effects: Can cause cancer, birth defects, genetic changes, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, skin diseases, deafness, vision failure, indigestion, and liver dysfunction Phthalates.
Plastic: Polycarbonate, with Bisphenol A (#7)
Common uses: Water bottles
Adverse Health Effects: Scientists have linked very low doses of bisphenol A exposure to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes, and hyperactivity, among other problems (Environment California)
Plastic: Polystyrene
Common Uses: Many food containers for meats, fish, cheeses, yogurt, foam and clear clamshell containers, foam and rigid plates, clear bakery containers, packaging "peanuts", foam packaging, audio cassette housings, CD cases, disposable cutlery, building insulation, flotation devices, ice buckets, wall tile, paints, serving trays, throw-away hot drink cups, toys.
Adverse Health Effects:Can irritate eyes, nose and throat and can cause dizziness and unconsciousness. Migrates into food and stores in body fat. Elevated rates of lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers for workers.
Plastic: Polyethelyne (#1 PET)
Common Uses:Water and soda bottles, carpet fiber, chewing gum, coffee stirrers, drinking glasses, food containers and wrappers, heat-sealed plastic packaging, kitchenware, plastic bags, squeeze bottles, toys.
Adverse Health Effects: Suspected human carcinogen.
Plastic: Polyester
Common Uses: Bedding, clothing, disposable diapers, food packaging, tampons, upholstery.
Adverse Health Effects: Can cause eye and respiratory-tract irritation and acute skin rashes.
Plastic:Urea-formaldehyde
Common Uses:Particle board, plywood, building insulation, fabric finishes.
Adverse Health Effects: Formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen and has been shown to cause birth defects and genetic changes.
Inhaling formaldehyde can cause cough, swelling of the throat, watery eyes, breathing problems, headaches, rashes, tiredness.
Plastic: Polyurethane Foam
Common Uses: Cushions, mattresses, pillows.
Adverse Health Effects: Bronchitis, coughing, skin and eye problems. Can release toluene diisocyanate which can produce severe lung problems.
Plastic: Acrylic
Common Uses:Clothing, blankets, carpets made from acrylic fibers, adhesives, contact lenses, dentures, floor waxes, food preparation equipment, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, paints.
Adverse Health Effects: Can cause breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, headache and fatigue.
Plastic: Tetrafluoro-ethelyne
Common Uses: Non-stick coating on cookware, clothes irons, ironing board covers, plumbing and tools.
Adverse Health Effects:Can irritate eyes, nose and throat and can cause breathing difficulties.