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

© Serge Gorbunov, 2023

ISBN 978-5-0060-4628-3

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

The Plastic Pandemic: Understanding the Hidden Danger in Everyday Products

The Killer in Our Homes: Shocking Poisoning Revelations

Serge Gorbunov, MD, PhD

«We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.» – Native American Proverb

INTRODUCTION

Plastic is killing us and our children. Slowly. Daily. Invisibly.

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

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However, all of these items pose deadly dangers. The chemicals with which plastic is impregnated are the source of their harmful power. Phthalates, bisphenols, styrene and other harmful chemicals… You’ll discover what they are shortly. These poisons cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. The poisons silently invade our bodies and intoxicate us.

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 find out what’s happening before it becomes too late. Illnesses like cancer, infertility, diabetes, hormonal imbalance are what we get for relying on the convenience of plastics. Our children are the ones who are suffering the most. Their future is in danger.

In this book, I will reveal the alarming truth about how plastic affects human health. We’ll conduct an investigation and rely on scientific research as evidence. You will witness the enormity of this issue.

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 plastic pose a great danger. The pleasing aroma these toys emit is due to the release of toxic chemicals! Often, these risks are identified when it’s too late. 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 warning us about the disaster that awaits everyone of us. What will happen to all of us in the future?

Sadly, a lot of plastic is discarded in landfills and ends up in the ocean when it’s thrown away. Experts caution that there will soon be a higher amount of plastic than fish in the sea. Currently, plastic waste is being discovered in the digestive systems of seabirds and turtles. The turtle population is declining. The Queen of Thailand has taken steps to protect turtles. As a result, plastic bags are no longer available in stores in Thailand.

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.

Scientists from Maastricht University conducted a research that showed how chemicals from plastic (phthalates and BPA) cause obesity and disrupt lipid metabolism in mice [1].

A group of scientists from Yale University published a study in the journal PLOS One, revealing that plastic food and beverage packaging contains harmful substances to health [2].

Experts from New York University found that plastic components such as BPA and phthalates can cause asthma and allergic reactions in children. [3]

Plastic cookware for microwaves releases dangerous chemicals into food, according to an international team of scientists published in the Annals of Global Health. [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

«The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth.» – Marlee Matlin

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) causes hormone imbalance and can lead to cancer. Polycarbonate, a robust plastic used for bottles, dishes, medical devices, and baby nipples, is widely manufactured with Bisphenol A (BPA). Annually, Polycarbonate products release approximately three million tons of BPA into the environment. A study conducted by the University of California shows that 92% of the people whose urine was tested contained BPA. BPA chiefly affects the hormonal systems by disrupting estrogen levels. Connected to risks of not being able to have children, diabetes, being very overweight, and breast cancer.

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 – a carcinogen and neurotoxin – when heated or in contact with acids and fats. Styrene monomers (the molecules that create styrene) were detected in the blood and adipose tissues of consumers that frequently eat from the famous, alluring, soft, white containers composed of polystyrene foam.

Furthermore, the plastic holds many hazardous additives besides these substances.

How can I ensure that a product is safe?

To ensure that plastic goods are safe, you should pay attention to the following.

The labeling and symbols on the packaging provide useful information:

❌Avoid plastics labeled 3, 6, and 7 as they are considered hazardous. These plastics contain harmful substances:

❌Plastic labeled 3 contains phthalates.

❌Number 6 plastic contains styrene.

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