The harm of non degradable plastics to human health
The harm of non degradable plastics to health is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Phthalates: This is a widely used plasticizer in plastic products that can make plastics softer and more flexible. However, phthalates can interfere with the human endocrine system and are associated with abnormalities in the reproductive system, neurodevelopment, and immune function.
Bisphenol A (BPA): used in the production of plastic products (such as plastic bottles, food can liners) and resins. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor that may cause reproductive problems, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and chronic diseases.
Intestinal inflammation: Microplastics can enter the human body through food, water, and air and accumulate in the intestines. Research has shown that the content of microplastics in samples of patients with inflammatory bowel disease is 1.5 times that of healthy individuals, indicating that the accumulation of microplastics in the intestine may lead to inflammation or exacerbate the condition.
Organ damage: Microplastic particles can accumulate in organs and tissues of the human body, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage. For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024 showed that microplastics entering the human body can accumulate in arteries, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses.
Reproductive toxicity: Some studies have found that microplastics such as polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MP) can penetrate the blood testis barrier and enter the testicular microenvironment, where they accumulate in large quantities and induce significant reproductive toxicity, including reduced sperm count, decreased vitality, increased deformity rate, and disrupted sex hormone levels.
Non degradable plastic products mainly include the following categories:
Plastic bags: including disposable plastic shopping bags and paper plastic composite packaging bags.
Packaging bags: such as garbage bags, agricultural films, etc.
Catering utensils: disposable lunch boxes, bowls, beverage cups, straws, etc.
Daily necessities: such as disposable plastic cotton swabs, daily chemical products containing plastic microbeads (such as facial cleansers, exfoliants, shampoos, etc.).
Medical supplies: Plastic products produced from medical waste as raw materials.
The main raw materials for these non biodegradable plastic products include non biodegradable polymer materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.
PET plastic: PET is the most abundant plastic material in the human body and is generally considered relatively safe. However, when PET is exposed to high temperatures or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, it may release trace amounts of chemicals that can be harmful to the human body.
Other additives: Plastic products also contain other additives such as flame retardants, stabilizers, etc. These chemicals may be released during the use and degradation of plastics, posing potential risks to human health.
Landfilling and soil pollution: Non degradable plastics can persist in landfills for hundreds or even thousands of years, releasing toxic chemicals into soil and groundwater, posing long-term environmental risks. These toxic substances may enter the human body through the food chain and have indirect effects on human health.
Burning and air pollution: Burning plastic waste releases harmful pollutants into the air, including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals. These pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, while also releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, leading to climate change.
In summary, tiny non degradable plastic fragments entering the digestive system can have profound impacts on human health. They not only disrupt the endocrine system, but also accumulate toxic pyrolysis products, triggering chronic diseases. Non degradable plastics not only cause serious pollution to the environment, but also directly and indirectly harm human health through various means. Reducing the use of non degradable plastics and strengthening the management of plastic waste are important measures to protect human health. To reduce these risks, we need to take the following measures:
Reduce plastic use: Try to minimize the use of disposable plastic products and use more reusable containers and packaging.
• Support environmental policies: Support and promote environmental policies and regulations to reduce plastic pollution, encourage businesses and individuals to reduce plastic use and emissions.
• Choose biodegradable products: The degradation products of biodegradable plastics are harmless and can be degraded into carbon dioxide and water in a biodegradable environment, without causing harm to the environment and human health.
