Serge Gorbunov The plastic pandemic: Understanding the hidden danger in everyday products. The killer in our homes: Shocking poisoning revelations

© Sergey Gorbunov, 2026

ISBN 978-5-0060-4628-3

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” — Old proverb

INTRODUCTION

Plastic is with us every day. In bottles, containers, toys, and packaging.

We don’t even realize that clear bottles, brightly colored containers, and lightweight bags are convenience and comfort. We naively think they are.

But this convenience has a downside: the chemicals that are added to plastic. Phthalates, bisphenols, styrene… You’ll discover what they are shortly. They cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, and little by little they find their way into our bodies.

Unfortunately, we are often unaware of it. We purchase exclusively healthy products, adhere to a healthy lifestyle, but somehow we still fall ill. The wrapping of even the most helpful items can make them harmful.

We need to understand what is happening. Scientists link these substances to disorders of the hormonal system, metabolism, and reproductive health. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.

In this book, I will review what science knows about how plastic affects human health, and show how to reduce its harm in your home without panic. We’ll conduct a real investigation and rely on scientific research as evidence.

Chapter 1. The Deception of Plastics in our Homes: Exposing the Threat that Lurks in Our Homes

At the beginning of the 20th century, our planet was unaware of the risks of plastic, a new material. In merely 100 years, plastic has made its way into every nook and cranny of our homes and cities. How has plastic become a permanent fixture in our lives in such a short time in historical terms?

Picture the Earth as a majestic vessel sailing in the immense expanse of space. We are among the people traveling as passengers on that ship. About a century ago, a new material — plastic — emerged on the ship. Initially, it appeared to be a practical, inoffensive, even enchanting substance. After all, plastic is lightweight, sturdy, and long-lasting!

But as time passed, this crafty material started spreading everywhere, much like a weed. It occupied public spaces and private chambers, infiltrated engine rooms, and even the captain’s quarters. And just now we are starting to comprehend that this material, which appears to be convenient, poses a serious threat to all passengers on the Earth ship, including you and me…

During the emergence of the plastic era, people were captivated by it, as if it was a new toy. Music enthusiasts were pleased with the brightly colored vinyl records. Fashion lovers showed off dresses made of synthetic silk. And homemakers eagerly learned to use miraculous plastic appliances.

But with time, it became apparent: there is a downside to plastic marvels. Numerous materials used to make plastics are harmful to human health. For instance, styrene, chlorine, formaldehyde… Sounds unappealing!

Manufacturers assured that these harmful substances do not stay in the final plastic product. However, scientific studies have indicated that many toxins move from plastic into the environment and our bodies. “Humanity is at a crossroads in terms of the legacy we would like to pass on to the future generations. Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, and the causes behind this decrease are only increasing. — This statement originates from the fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook (UN 2020).

Soft toys made of PVC deserve special attention. Their typical “plastic” smell means that volatile substances are being released from the material. We must reconsider our mindset towards plastic to ensure a safer existence for ourselves and future generations.

Plastic has completely taken over our planet. As per the United Nations, approximately 400 million tons of plastic are manufactured annually! This amounts to roughly 50 kilograms per person on Earth. At present, over 10 million tons of plastic waste finds its way into the oceans of the world. Further estimates indicate that between 1.15 to 2.41 million tons of plastic waste is transported by rivers. This number is very impressive. Some kinds of animal life are vanishing while biodiversity is declining, and humanity is failing to achieve its goals in this area. Environmentalists are sounding the alarm.

Sadly, a lot of plastic is discarded in landfills and ends up in the ocean when it’s thrown away. According to one forecast, by 2050 the oceans may contain more plastic than fish by weight. Currently, plastic waste is being discovered in the digestive systems of seabirds and turtles.

Several nations have recognized this problem and are combating the issue of plastic pollution. For instance, starting in 2021, the European Union banned the usage of disposable plastic plates, cutlery, and straws. Additionally, Canada and the United States are preparing to restrict the application of single-use plastic.

Moreover, India has taken more decisive action by announcing war on plastic packaging. Since 2022, single-use plastic bags have been prohibited in this area. Big stores are saying no to putting fruits and veggies in plastic bags. Folks are choosing eco-friendly bags more and more.

But if nothing changes, the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean will increase twofold by 2040. This isn’t making anyone happy.

As a result, the campaign against plastic is becoming more popular and widespread. You and I can also join this important movement. After all, the health of each of us is directly linked with the health of our planet!

Several scientific studies confirm that plastic has negative effects on health.

Experiments in mice showed that low doses of bisphenol A received in the womb disrupt the offspring’s metabolism — body weight, fat tissue, insulin, and glucose regulation [1].

Even plastics labeled “BPA-free” can release substances that act like estrogens in the body, according to a study in the journal Environmental Health [2].

A 2015 review of scientific data links bisphenol A and phthalates to asthma, allergies, and impaired immune function [3].

When heated in a microwave, plastic containers release large numbers of micro- and nanoplastic particles into food, according to a study in Environmental Science & Technology [4].

In summary

Plastic is a human-made material, which was only produced on a massive scale starting in the 20th century. It was invented by chemists and actively promoted as the material of the future. As a result, it has quickly become ubiquitous in our everyday lives.

But we’ve learned that dangerous chemicals used to make plastic can move from it into the environment and people’s bodies.

Numerous countries have begun to combat plastic contamination. We must reconsider our stance on this substance to improve safety.

Next, we’ll examine, in detail, the particular risks that plastic presents to human health.

Chapter 2. Plastic’s Echoes: A Century of Innovation Resounds with a Warning

Let’s think of our planet as an enormous ocean liner transporting millions of passengers. The liner is comfortable and appears to be dependable. But what happens if toxic waste quietly mixes with the gasoline stored in its fuel tanks? As time passes, it would pollute the air and water onboard.

We have samples of various plastics under the microscope. Although they may look like typical polymer granules, a closer inspection will reveal hazardous impurities!

Let’s examine the primary harmful elements of plastic.

Bisphenol A (BPA) disrupts hormonal balance. It is widely used to make polycarbonate, a sturdy plastic for bottles, dishes, and medical devices, and to line food cans. According to a survey of the U.S. population, BPA is found in the urine of more than 90% of people [18]. BPA acts on the hormonal system, in particular mimicking estrogens. Studies link it to reproductive disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hormone-dependent tumors.

Phthalates — they affect the hormone-producing glands in the body. They make plastic softer. They get into the body through food and can affect how someone develops. This makes them very dangerous for children and women who are pregnant. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most commonly used substances to make PVC flexible. They use it to make products such as toys, mats, and curtains more flexible. Over 2 million tons of DEHP are manufactured each year. This material can accumulate in the body and lead to disorders affecting the endocrine system, reproductive organs development, and immunity.

Polystyrene releases styrene, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies as probably carcinogenic to humans [8]. Most styrene is released when polystyrene comes into contact with hot, acidic, or fatty food — for example, in white foam food containers.

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