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Impact of Plastics on Human Health

Detectable levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) from plastics have been found in urine of 95% of adults in the United States (North & Rolf, 2014). According to a study in the Annual Review of Public Health, carried out in 2010, BPA holds endocrine-disrupting properties. Health risks involved include: decreased male fertility, early sexual maturation, and aggressively (aggressive behavior).

DEHP (di-ethylhexyl phthalate) which is often used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, easily leaches out and has negative effects on health like: insulin resistance, enhanced waist circumference, and distortions to the male and female reproductive systems.

Phthalates which are used in softening plastics. Studies have linked various phthalates to abnormal male sexual development, male infertility, premature breast development, cancer, miscarriage, premature breath and asthma (Plastics and Human Health, n.d.). Infants and pregnant or nursing mothers are at heightened risk for toxic exposure or passage of BPA and additives like DEHP (Impact of plastics on human health and ecosystems, 2010).  

Works Cited

Impact of plastics on human health and ecosystems. (2010, March 20). Retrieved from http://www.News-Medical.net
North, E., & Rolf, H. (2014). Plastics and Environmental Health: The Road Ahead. Reviews on Environmental Health, 28(1), 1-8. doi:10.1515/reveh-2012-0030

Plastics and Human Health. (n.d.). Retrieved May 20, 2015, from Earth Resource Foundation: http://www.earthresource.org/campaigns/capp/capp-health.html
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