Plastic is Toxic

Why is plastic toxic?

A lot of different plastics types contain endocrine disruptors. These chemical molecules have an action on the hormonal system even at very low concentrations. They are not poisonous like cyanide for example, but have undesirable effects on health, growth, behavior, mood, energy use and storage, blood circulation, sexual and reproductive functions, sleep quality.

The most common endocrine disruptors found in plastic are :

- Bisphenol A also called BPA

- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate also called DEHP

Endocrine disruptors can also be found in pesticides, pharmaceuticals, metals, detergents, flame retardant, cosmetics… The world is exposed to all these chemical molecules and the scientists don’t exactly know the impact of these chemicals on human health and environment.

Nevertheless, endocrine disruptors are also strongly suspected to cause cancers and precocious puberty.

What is my endocrine system?

The body functioning is regulated by the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of glands which secrete hormones. These hormones travel thorough the body to the targeted cells, which respond to this stimulus.

The response can be :

- Another hormone, which will target another type of cells

- A protein, which will change the body parameters (for example : change the functioning of an organ)

How work the endocrine disruptors?

Because endocrine disruptors have the same shape as the body’s hormones, the body doesn’t make any difference between these two kinds of molecules. This can change affect the body functioning in three ways:

1. Increasing the targeted cell’s response : the body doesn’t produce any hormone, but the targeted cells are activated by the endocrine disruptors (examples : oestrogens, androgens, thyroid hormones)

2. Decreasing targeted cell’s response: endocrine disruptor is bind to the receptor but don’t provoke the cell’s response. The receptor is no more available for the body’s hormone and the normal signal fails to respond properly.

3. Altering the natural hormone system: the body doesn’t produce any hormone but the endocrine disruptors activate the targeted cells which respond. This response induces an alteration of the organs functioning.

What plastics contain endocrine disruptors?

There are two main endocrine disruptors used in the plastic industry.

1. BPA - Bisphenol A

baby bottles

food cans (white plastic layer inside the cans also called epoxid resin)

different types of paper, such as printer paper, sales receipts,...

banknotes

sunglasses

CDs

PVC products

In 2010, Canada declared BPA a toxic substance and has banned BPA due to health concerns.

According to Plastic Europe, 4 billion tons of BPA was produced in 2015.

2. DEHP - Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

food containers

perfumes

toys

child care articles

prescription bottles

shower curtains

Canada's government have assessed that DEHP is suspected to be harmful to the environment and to have the potential to be harmful to human health. Manufacture and import of articles with DEHP in Canada are subject to several health and safety regulations.