One reason so many people love diving is that it is such a healthy pastime. SDTN agrees - we think your health is one of the most valuable things you possess. That's why we're taking a moment to fill you in on some of the harmful health effects of plastic. Many forms of this ubiquitous substance are terrible for the environment, and we know plastics that end up in the ocean are harmful to marine life. Now, researchers are discovering that many types of plastic are also bad for your health.
Toxins, Carcinogens and More
In addition to causing safety problems during formulation, many of the same chemical additives that lend plastic products their desirable performance properties have negative health effects. Some plastic additives are carcinogens; the one most commonly used is Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP). Other additives are endocrine disruptors, which can lead to problems such as birth defects, cancers, immune system suppression, and developmental difficulties in children. Still other plastic additives like mercury, cadmium, and even lead are directly toxic to the body.
Examples of common plastics and the adverse health effects they can cause include:
Polyvinyl Chloride (#3PVC)
Used for food and toiletries packaging, and in plastic wrap; it is also found in some cosmetics and baby products including pacifiers and crib bumpers. It is in many toys, in water pipes, plastic floor tiles, garden hoses, and many other common items.
#3PVC can cause genetic changes, birth defects, cancer, chronic bronchitis, skin diseases, ulcers, liver dysfunction, and indigestion
Phthalates, Including DINP, DEHP, and Others:
These plastic additives are primarily found in softened vinyl products, including some types of clothing, and certain types of paint. They are also found in many medical devices and in medical supplies, as well as in certain types of plastic packaging.
Phthalates can cause endocrine disruption, and have been linked to developmental and reproductive difficulties, along with asthma.
Polycarbonate with Bisphenol A (#7)
Though manufacturers have reduced their use of this additive, it is still found in some water bottles. Even low doses of BPA have been linked to cancers. Some other problems commonly associated with BPA include hyperactivity, diabetes, early onset of puberty, and impaired immune function.
Polystyrene
Food containers for meats and fish, mushrooms, and some other vegetables are often made with polystyrene. Clear clamshell containers, including clear bakery containers contain polystyrene, as do some cheese and yogurt containers. Throw-away insulated cups and some toys, along with a number of other items contain polystyrene.
Polystyrene migrates into food, and when consumed, remains in the body - it is stored in fat cells. It is associated with a number of health problems, including elevated rates of hematopoietic and lymphatic cancers.
How Exposure Happens
If you're not eating plastics, how are you exposed to the toxins they contain? The answer to this question is a simple one: chemicals migrate from plastic packaging into the contents of the packages, themselves. Most types of plastics can affect foods and beverages; these include commonly utilized plastics such as polystyrene, PVC, Polyethylene, and PET.
In a number of studies, polypropylene bottles, HDPE, and LDPE plastics released measurable levels of Chimarssorb 81, BHT, Irganox PS 800, and other contaminants into their contents, particularly if contents included vegetable oils or other fats, or if contents included alcohols, including ethanol. When water was placed in PET containers, those containers leached acetaldehyde into the water.
Reducing Your Risk of Exposure
There are a number of ways you can reduce exposure to toxins from plastics. First, buy foods in metal or glass containers and avoid drinking water from bottles containing BPA (Bisphenol A.) Second, avoid storing fatty foods in plastic wrap or plastic containers, and don't microwave food in plastic containers. Third, use household goods and wear clothing made of natural fibers, and finally avoid styrene and PVC products altogether. If you have young children, avoid giving them teethers or toys made from plastic.
Some contact with plastic won't harm you - it's when exposure is frequent, and when toxins associated with plastic are breathed in or ingested that the risk is highest. If you do pretty well most of the time, then you're ahead of the crowd. Finally, we want to remind you that plastics are just as toxic to marine life, birds, and land animals as they are to you. With that in mind, reuse and recycle the plastics you do use - and think about participating in community cleanups. If each of us makes a little effort, soon enough, we - and our planet and the creatures we share it with - will be better off.