Embedded Files
Some synthesized plastic molecules interfere with cell processes by mimicking natural hormones. These molecules can be very harmful to humans and aquatic organisms.
Plastics Are Polymers
Plastics Are Polymers
Polymers are long-chain molecules made of repeating links, or monomers. The chains are strong, light, and durable, which makes them so useful. When disposed of carelessly, however, they become problematic.
The body has trouble distinguishing the difference because of the similarities between the two molecules.
Plastics Leach Hormone-Like Chemicals
Plastics Leach Hormone-Like Chemicals
Research suggests that all plastics may leach chemicals if they're scratched or heated. Research also strongly suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in these products, such as bisphenol A (BPA), may cause cancer in people.[3]
BPA is a weak synthetic estrogen found in many rigid plastic products, food and formula can linings, dental sealants, and on the shiny side of paper cashier receipts. Its estrogen-like activity makes it a hormone disruptor, like many other chemicals in plastics. Hormone disruptors can affect how estrogen and other hormones act in the body, by blocking them or mimicking them, which throws off the body's hormonal balance. Elevated levels of BPA has been linked to fertility issues.[3]
A team analyzed sand and seawater from more than 200 sites in 20 countries, mainly in Southeast Asia and North America. All contained “significant” amounts of BPA, ranging from 0.01 parts per million (ppm) to 50 ppm.[2]
Click the audio file above for an NPR discussion on hormones and plastics.
The Types of Plastic
The Types of Plastic
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) system is a set of seven symbols found on plastic products used to indicate the plastic resin of which the product is made. Beginning in 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the system in order to make the process of recycling more efficient.[5]
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) system is a set of seven symbols found on plastic products used to indicate the plastic resin of which the product is made. Beginning in 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the system in order to make the process of recycling more efficient.[5]
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is used to manufacture bottles for water, soda, mouth wash and containers for condiments like ketchup, dressing, and jelly. PET is commonly recycled. [4]
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is labeled a low-hazard plastic and is used in bottles for water, shampoo, and laundry detergent. HDPE is commonly recycled.[4]
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is most often found in bags used for bedding, shrink wrap, toys, plastic bags, and table cloths. PVC contains toxic chemicals that disrupt the endocrine cycles in animals. PVC is sometimes recycled.[4]
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is the most widely used type of plastic. LDPE is used to create grocery bags, storage containers, plastic wraps, and the coatings for paper milk cartons.[4]
Polypropylene (PP) is used for bottle caps, drinking straws, carpet fibers, yogurt containers, prescription bottles, syrup bottles, lunch boxes. PP is occasionally recycled.[4]
Polystyrene (PS) is found in plastic cutlery, plastic food boxes, video cases, fast food trays, packing foam, disposable coffee cups. PS is commonly recycled.[4]
Code 7 is used to label miscellaneous plastics not identified by any of the six previous codes. Polycarbonate, nylon, and polylactic acid are included in this category. CDs and safety shield/glasses are examples of objects made out of plastic from this category. These plastics are the most difficult to recycle.[4]
What's in my products?
What's in my products?
Food wrappers contain nonylphenol, which can accumulate in fish livers and cause tumors.
Styrofoam contains stryene, which is a known mutagen and mutates DNA via adduct formation.
Many electronics contain polychlorinated biphenyls, which interferes with the thyroid hormone.
Pesticides contain persistant organic pollutants, which possibly cause neurological and reproductive damage.
Can liners contain bpa, the molecule shown above, which mimics estrogen.
There are many more products that could be shown, but the main lesson is that common plastics like these must be kept out of our oceans because of the negative effects that they have on wildlife.
There are many more products that could be shown, but the main lesson is that common plastics like these must be kept out of our oceans because of the negative effects that they have on wildlife.
Not To Mention...
Not To Mention...
The negative effects from the decomposition of plastics, the synthesis of plastics require crude oil refining, which is also harmful to the environment. Oil refinery involves the release of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Researchers in Italy are investigating renewable polyesters via an enzyme-catalyzed polycondensation, with a focus on sustainable synthesis. They chose biodegradable proteins, and monomers produced from fermentation of sugars. They were also able to lower the temperature needed for polymerization and eliminate solvent use. Overall, Gardossi's team used a holistic, statistical approach to producing plastics without wasting the reactants. [1]
With more research like this, plastic production may soon lessen its environmental impact.
1. Durrani, Jamie. "Plastics Synthesis Goes Green." Chemistry World, 10 Oct. 2017,
www.chemistryworld.com/news/plastics-synthesis-goes-green/1017544.article.
Accessed 21 May 2018.
2. Laskawy, Tom. "New Evidence That BPA has Widely Contaminated the Oceans."
Grist, 25 Mar. 2015, grist.org/article/
new-evidence-that-bpa-has-widely-contaminated-the-oceans/. Accessed 22 May
2018.
3. "Exposure to Chemicals in Plastic." Breast Cancer, www.breastcancer.org/risk/
factors/plastic. Accessed 22 May 2018.
4. "The Different Types of Plastic and How They Are Recycled."
Generalkinematics.com, General Kinematics, 17 Apr. 2014,
www.generalkinematics.com/blog/different-types-plastics-recycled/. Accessed
19 May 2018.
5. "Plastic Packaging Resin Identification Codes."
Plastics.americanchemistry.com, American Chemistry Council,
plastics.americanchemistry.com/Plastic-Packaging-Resin-Identification-Codes/.
Accessed 20 May 2018.
Report abuse