We live in a world of plastic. Everyone knows it. But most people consider plastic an environmental problem, not a health risk. The reality is that plastic affects our bodies every day, slowly and without visible symptoms. That is why it is so easy to ignore.

The rising curves of chronic diseases — also in children under 14 — should make us take this issue seriously. Especially parents whose children are exposed to plastic toxins from a very early age have reason to be alert. In this article we do not talk about the environmental impact of plastic, but only about its effects on human health.

Phthalates: why are they dangerous?

Phthalates are chemical substances used to soften plastic and make it more flexible. They are found in plastic containers, packaging, toys, cosmetics, vinyl floors, raincoats and adhesives. Studies show that phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system.

In men the relationship between lower testosterone levels and abnormal sperm is well documented. Prenatal exposure to phthalates has also been associated with neurological development disorders in children: lower IQ, attention and hyperactivity problems and weaker social communication.

Small children are particularly vulnerable. Phthalates are found in everything from baby products to toys, and often also in products labelled "phthalate-free". For your information: until 1999, the use of phthalates in the manufacture of dummies, rattles and teething toys was completely permitted.

Bisphenol A – and its dangerous substitutes

Bisphenol A (BPA) is structurally almost identical to the female hormone oestrogen — it is, essentially, its synthetic copy. It has been used as a hardener in plastic since the nineteen sixties. Studies have linked BPA to irreversible changes in the reproductive system, early puberty, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In 2010, BPA was banned in baby bottles in the EU and Canada. Manufacturers quickly switched to alternative chemical substances such as BPS, BPF, BPAF or BPB. The problem? New studies show that these substitutes are no less harmful. Sometimes they are even more active in the body than the original BPA.

"BPA-free" does not mean "risk-free". It means only that one substance has been replaced by another about which we still do not know enough. The concentration of BPA in the human body has almost tripled since the nineteen nineties.

Where does plastic hide?

Plastic and its chemical substances are present in more everyday products than most people realise.

• Plastic bottles and containers: BPA is released when they are heated, washed with detergents or when they have scratches. A scratched bottle that is heated releases many times more toxins.
• Till receipts: The concentration of BPA in thermal paper is hundreds of times higher than in plastic bottles. It is absorbed directly through the skin — try to avoid touching receipts and wash your hands afterwards if you do.
• Canned goods: BPA is used in the inner lining of cans. In 73% of canned goods analysed BPA was found. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, the contents of a single can can increase the level of BPA in the body up to 20 times.
• Plastic toys, straws and utensils: Particularly problematic for small children who often put objects in their mouths.

When is plastic especially dangerous?

Chemical substances are released faster and in higher concentration when plastic is heated — in the microwave, with hot liquids or in the car in the sun — or when it is scratched with a hard scourer or through normal wear. A scratched plastic bottle and a hot liquid are a particularly bad combination.

Is "BPA-free" plastic the solution?

No. This is important to understand.

If a manufacturer removes phthalates or BPA from their plastic formula, they still need some substitute substance. The new chemical substance is often not sufficiently tested before reaching the market. This means that all plastic — especially that which is constantly used in contact with food and drink — carries unforeseeable risks.

What can you do?

It is impossible to completely avoid plastic in today's society. But it is possible to eliminate the most important sources, especially when it comes to food and drink. Three simple steps:

1. Avoid buying or storing food in plastic whenever possible: choose glass, steel or food-grade silicone.
2. Never heat food or drink in plastic containers.
3. Choose products in which all parts (not just the outer shell) are plastic-free.

The last point is important. Many products in stainless steel or glass still have plastic lids, handles or straws. Your drink is still in contact with plastic, even if you cannot see it.

We cannot protect our children from all risks. But this risk is known and can be avoided. It is a rare situation in today's world: the science is clear, the alternative exists and the choice is yours.

Sources used in the article:

• PubMed “A Review of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Insights Into Microplastics as Obesogens“
• PubMed “Detection of various microplastics in placentas, meconium, infant feces, breastmilk and infant formula“
• PubMed “Associations of Plastic Bottle Exposure with Infant Fecal Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Growth”
• ScienceDirect “Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects”
• NCBI “Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta”
• NCBI  “The potential effects of microplastics on human health: What is known and what is unknown”
• NCBI “Bisphenol A leaching from polycarbonate baby bottles into baby food causes potential health issues”
• PubMed “Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to Bisphenol A in Polymeric Baby Bottles”
• The Guardian “Phthalates are everywhere, and the health risks are worring. How bad are they really?”
• СDС.gov “Phthalates factsheet”
• NCBI “Phthalates and other additives in plastics:human exposure and associated health outcomes”
• ScienceDirect “Phthalate exposure and metabolic effects: a systematic review of the human epidemiological evidence”
• WebMD “What are phthalates?”
• NCBI “The Politics of Plastics: The Making and Unmaking of Bisphenol A “Safety”