POTENTIAL POISON
What's lurking in that plastic container?
In today's world, plastic is everywhere. It's changed the way things are made, stored, handled and even played with. The material has also garnered attention for potential dangers it might pose to our environment, both outside and within our homes. Consumers need to know the potential hazards and how to avoid complications from plastic overload.
The use of plastic has allowed tremendous flexibility in how many things are done, including storage. Bottled water is now commonplace, mostly due to its widespread availability and portability, with little thought given to its potential harm. Microwave dinners are another example of the conveniences of the modern age, offering a perfectly portioned dinner straight from the freezer and ready in minutes; in a plastic container.
The research on plastic does demonstrate a need for caution. Of particular concern are phthalates, a toxin that enables flexibility in plastic. It's thought that these chemicals are leeching into food and beverages. With so many products sold in these plastic containers, this presents a huge problem. Research has demonstrated that phthalates do contribute to poor genitalia development in rats, as well as fertility issues in human males [1,2,3,4]. Phthalates may actually interfere with sperm motility [4]. While this is a major concern for adult men, it is also alarming for babies exposed to phthalates while in the womb, or through bottles or food containers.
Concern has been mounting over one particular type of phthalate, bisphenol A (BPA). This is commonly found in Nalgene bottles, baby bottles, water pipes, food containers and plastic water bottles [5]. BPA is thought to effect hormone receptors in the body [6]. Chemicals acting on hormone receptors raise the possibility of promoting hormone-related issues such as infertility, cancer and diabetes. This phthalate has demonstrated the potential to cause complications related to both prostate and breast cancer [7,8]. It can even promote the aggressiveness of cancer cells [8]. BPA also effects insulin function, used in the body to help control blood sugar [9]. This has implications for those at risk or who are currently being treated for diabetes. The U.S. produced 2.3 billion pounds of BPA in 2004 alone [10].
There are some simple changes to your daily routine that can limit plastic exposure. Ideally, food should be stored in glass containers to limit chemical leeching. The amount of phthalates that leech into the food on a single occasion is likely very small, but daily accumulation can add up to a more significant problem. Studies from Korea have documented that plastic chemical levels are already too high in many women [11]. Food should never be heated or microwaved in plastic. Place all items on a glass plate or bowl before heating. This is especially true for children’s meals. Plastic beverage bottles can also pose risks. Certainly, bottled water is better than no water, but try to avoid exposing the product to high heat, which might increase chemical leeching. Using glass or steel water bottles can help prevent phthalate exposure.
Cumulative exposure to plastic compounds is a growing public health concern. Research shows that there is a synergistic effect taking place with various types of toxins, including plastic [12]. The actual level of plastic exposure could be higher than we realize [13]. The Environmental Working Group has a site dedicated to safety in and for the environment. They recommend consumers avoid nail polish with the chemical dibutyl phthalate [14]. Soft plastic children’s toys could also be a source of phthalates, with the single dose from one toy thought to be minimal, but cumulative doses raising concern [16]. The European Union has already begun plans to ban or lessen phthalates, while the U.S. response has been slower [15].
To best deal with any toxin, the body must be well-nourished with adequate nutrition. The body has amazing abilities to detoxify if it is in the optimal health state to do so. Vegetable (at least 3-4 servings a day) and water intake are crucial. No particular supplement is necessarily touted for its success with the detoxification of phthalates, but chlorella is a very simple and effective avenue that helps with the excretion of a variety of chemicals. Lastly, it is increasingly important that we recycle the plastic we are using. A majority of the plastic we throw away could be recycled, which would save energy and prevent plastic from leeching into groundwater and spilling into lakes, rivers and oceans where the fish supply can be dramatically effected.
Lawmakers should be aware of public concerns about plastic. The power of the consumer can be quickly impressed on Congress, leading to quicker changes in public health policy. Plastics might be part of our lifestyle, but they shouldn't be part of our health.
References:
1. Fisher, JS., Macpherson, S., Marchetti, N., Sharpe, RM. (2003). Human 'testicular dysgenesis syndrome': a possible model using in utero exposure of the rat to dibutyl phthalate. Hum Reprod, 18:1–13.
2. Sharpe, RM. (2006) Perinatal determinants of adult testis size and function. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 91(7): 2503-5.
3. Calafat, AM. (2006). Integrating biomonitoring exposure data into the risk assessment process: phthalates [diethyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate] as a case study. Environ Health Perspect, 114(11):1783-9.
4. Hauser, R. (2005). Evidence of interaction between polychlorinated biphenyls and phthalates in relation to human sperm motility. Environ Health Perspect, 113(4):425-30.
5. Braunrath, R. (2005). Determination of bisphenol A in canned foods by immunoaffinity chromatography, HPLC, and fluorescence detection. J Agric Food Chem, 53(23):8911-7.
6. Cutolo, M. (2005). Estrogens and arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am, 31(1):19-27, vii.
7. Prins, GS. (2008). Developmental exposure to bisphenol A increases prostate cancer susceptibility in adult rats: epigenetic mode of action is implicated. Fertil Steri, 89(2 Suppl):e41.
8. Dairkee, SH. (2008). Bisphenol A induces a profile of tumor aggressiveness in high-risk cells from breast cancer patients. Cancer Res, 68(7):2076-80.
9. Ropero, AB. (2008). Bisphenol-A disruption of the endocrine pancreas and blood glucose homeostasis. Int J Androl, 31(2):194-200.
10. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences at: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions/sya-bpa.cfm#20
11. Koo, HJ. (2005). Human monitoring of phthalates and risk assessment. J Toxicol Environ Health A, 68(16):1379-92.
12. Rider, CV. (2008). A mixture of seven antiandrogens induces reproductive malformations in rats.
Int J Androl, 31(2):249-62.
13. Heudorf, U. ( Phthalates: toxicology and exposure.
- Int J Hyg Environ Health - 01-OCT-2007; 210(5): 623-34
14. http://www.ewg.org/node/19261
15. Jensen GK. European Parliament increases number of chemicals earmarked for priority action by European Co2007). mmission. Lancet Oncol, 8(5):382-3.
16. Babich, MA. (2004). Risk assessment of oral exposure to diisononyl phthalate from children's products.
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 40(2):151-67.
Learn More:
Environmental Working Group - Page on Phthalates
Other Trusted Sources:
Center for Health, Environment and Justice
New Scientist
