What are the harmful health effects of plastic?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My husband used to buy plastic vessels for cooking and storing food. I was wondering whether plastic pollution could potentially harm our health. Does anyone know if microplastics from these vessels affect the human brain?
I am also wondering if using plastic products is safe. Does pollution from plastic affect our bodies? Some people say microplastics can harm our brain functions. Is it true? Should we stop using plastic in the kitchen, or does it not matter? Is there any study about plastic pollution and its health effects? Please give your advice.
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
A key problem with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) food containers is that they contain phthalates. Body load of phthalates directly correlates with many chronic diseases such as diabetes (increase in blood sugar levels), infertility (inability to conceive ), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and loss of IQ (intelligence quotient) in children. Consumer reports found high levels of phthalates in food.
In general, the safest choices for food use are numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5. It is recommended to avoid plastic containers with codes 3, 6, and 7. Plastic number 3 contains vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 6 has polystyrene, and 7 can contain various plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA).
In a recent paper, researchers found that those tiny particles called microplastics are having a significant impact on our digestive pathways, making their way from the gut and into the tissues of the kidney, liver, and brain.
When chemicals in plastic, like phthalates, are introduced to the body, they can change the way the brain produces hormones and even how it develops. These changes could contribute to increased occurrences of ADHD (attention deficit disorder), depression (a chronic feeling of loneliness), or even symptoms similar to schizophrenia (a major mental health condition that affects people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors).
I hope this information will help you.
Kindly revert in case of queries.
Thank you.
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