Why should I renounce using plastic?

The human body absorbs chemicals which are added to the plastic. Harmful chemicals from the plastic on the landfills can go into the soil and groundwater. The plastic floating on water can be used as transportation for species which can disturb the wildlife of the other ecosystem.

People are exposed to the chemicals in plastic by water, air, food, drink and other products.

Phthalates are used as plasticizers in the production of vinyl flooring and wall coverings, food packaging and medical devices. Vinyl is plastic or a synthetic resins (a liquid that can harden something permanently). Phthalates are chemicals that make plastic more flexible and harder to break. Eight out of every ten babies, and nearly all adults, have measurable levels of phthalates in their bodies.Researchers have linked phthalates to obesity, diabetes type II, asthma, low IQ level, breast cancer, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, neurodevelopmental issue, reproductive development and male fertility issue.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in polycarbonate (hard plastic) bottles and the wrapping of food and cans used for soft drinks, can leach into food and drinks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 93 percent of people had detectable levels of BPA in their urine.

BPA can act similar to estrogen (female sex hormone, which is responsible for the regulations of the of the female reproductive system) and other hormones. It is a substance that interferes with transport, elimination, and production of natural hormones. Also it was found out that people with an high exposure to BPA have a higher rate of heart disease and diabetes.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are flame-retardants which are added to polyurethane foam furniture cushions, mattresses, carpet pads and car seats. This is also a type of plastic which is used. It was found out that PBDEs possibly damage the developing brain and reproductive system.

Polyvinylchloride is found in plastic wrappings for food, cosmetics, containers for toiletries, shower curtains, toys water pipes, garden hoses, inflatable swimming pools and many more. This can cause cancer, skin disease, birth defects and it can harm the digestive system.

Polythelyne (#1 PET) is usually used for water and soda bottles, carpet fiber, chewing gum, food containers, heat-sealed plastic packaging, kitchen tools, plastic bags and many more. It is suspected that it causes human carcinogen (cause cancer).

The real problem is that it is really hard to avoid plastic, it is flexible and robust. Sometimes there are no better substitutes. But it is not impossible to not use plastic, our ancestors did it so can we. Try to substitute as many things as possible with either glass, metal, or paper. So try to do as this not only for the sake of your health but also for the sake of the environment.

SOURCES:

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/dangers-of-plastic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estrogen

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/221205.php

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/10/phthalates-plastics-chemicals-research-analysis

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/plastic-not-so-fantastic/