In a world increasingly dependent on plastics, it’s easy to overlook the invisible danger lurking in many everyday items.
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| As plastic waste continues to accumulate in landfills and oceans, exposure to chemicals from plastics breaking down is expected to worsen. COURTESY PHOTO |
From food packaging and personal care products to medical devices and household goods, plastics have become an essential part of modern life.
However, scientists are sounding the alarm over the harmful chemicals that these plastics often contain, particularly endocrine disruptors, which have been linked to a range of health problems, from reproductive issues to chronic diseases like cancer.
The Silent Disruptors
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which regulates hormones essential for growth, metabolism, and reproduction. These chemicals can mimic, block, or alter the natural hormones in the body, leading to a variety of health issues.
While the effects of EDCs may not be immediately noticeable, their long-term consequences can be severe. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/endocrine_disruptors_508.pdf
Plastics are one of the primary sources of exposure to endocrine disruptors. Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polystyrene, which are commonly found in plastic products, have been shown to disrupt hormone function. (https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.0900979 )
BPA, for example, is frequently used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are often found in food and drink containers, as well as thermal receipt paper. Phthalates, another group of chemicals, are used to soften plastics and are found in products such as toys, vinyl flooring, and even personal care items like lotions and perfumes.
The Growing Evidence of Harm
A growing body of research has shown that exposure to endocrine disruptors can have serious health consequences, particularly during critical periods of development, such as pregnancy and early childhood.
Studies (https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/10910) have linked BPA and phthalates to developmental and behavioral problems, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Other research has found associations between these chemicals and an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, infertility, and certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer.
Just one example is from Dr. Shanna Swan, author of Count Down, who has tracked human sperm count since the 1970’s, and she has documented a drop in over 50 percent since the beginning of her studies (6). Chemicals in plastics are linked as a major contributor. (https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/6/646/4035689?login=false).
In addition, scientists are concerned about the cumulative effects of exposure. While individual doses of these chemicals may be low, people are exposed to a wide variety of plastics throughout their lives—from the food they eat to the air they breathe – leading to a constant stream of endocrine-disrupting substances into the body. As plastic waste continues to accumulate in landfills and oceans, the problem is only expected to worsen.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to the effects of endocrine disruptors. Pregnant women, infants, and children are at the greatest risk because their endocrine systems are still developing and can be more easily altered by exposure to harmful chemicals. For instance, research has shown that prenatal exposure to BPA can affect fetal brain development, leading to long-term neurological and behavioral issues.
Additionally, women of childbearing age may face fertility challenges due to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Both BPA and phthalates have been linked to reduced fertility in both men and women, and some studies suggest that these chemicals may contribute to early onset puberty in girls.
Industry Response and Regulatory Gaps
Despite growing evidence of harm, the regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals remains insufficient in many countries. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not banned BPA or phthalates outright, though some restrictions have been placed on their use in certain products like baby bottles.
In the European Union, some of these chemicals have been banned from certain consumer products, but many still remain in use.
The problem lies in the fact that endocrine disruptors are not always clearly labeled on plastic products, making it difficult for consumers to avoid exposure. The plastics industry, while aware of the concerns, has been slow to phase out harmful chemicals, and in many cases, substitutes may still carry similar risks.
Alternatives to BPA, such as bisphenol S (BPS), are sometimes used, but early studies suggest that these substitutes may be just as harmful.
What Can Be Done?
Consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals by making more informed choices. Opting for glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic alternatives for food and drink storage is one way to reduce the risk. Avoiding plastic products labeled with the recycling codes 3 (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), 6 (polystyrene), and 7 (other, which can include BPA-based plastics) is another precaution.
Choosing natural personal care products that are free from phthalates and other harmful chemicals can also reduce exposure. ( https://www.edf.org/health/chemicals/getting-toxics-out-what-we-buy )
At the policy level, experts are calling for stronger regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including more rigorous testing and better labeling of products that may contain them. Public health advocates are urging governments to take a more proactive approach to reduce the use of toxic plastics and encourage the development of safer alternatives.
A Call to Action
Maine has been ahead of most states by enacting laws starting in the 1980’s with the bottle bill, and accelerating the cause with more regulation, much at the hand of Defend Our Health, a Maine based organization that advocates for toxic free health. They have led the charge in enacting some of Maine’s laws relative to phthalates, bis Phenol a (BPA) and PFAS (all of which are known EDCs). There’s so much more to do.
The dangers of endocrine-disrupting chemicals are clear, and their widespread presence in plastics poses a significant threat to public health. As consumers, we must demand safer products, and as a society, we must push for stronger regulations to protect future generations from the long-term consequences of plastic pollution.
The time to act is now. The hidden chemicals in plastic may seem invisible, but their effects are anything but. It’s up to all of us – individuals, industries, and governments – to create a safer, healthier future for people and the planet.
Dennis Brown is the Chair of the Town of Windham’s Natural Resources Advisory Committee. Reach him by email at lakesideme@yahoo.com <
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