How Plastic Can Cause Hormonal Disruption

Medical Reviewed By Lucas Rosa

PhD in Molecular Biology

Plastic is all around us, but its widespread existence does not necessarily mean that it is healthy for us. Learn about the dangers of plastic and how it can disrupt our hormones.

The Pervasive Exposure to Plastics

Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives, they are abundantly found in numerous products from food packaging and household items to clothing and electronics. This pervasive presence is due to plastic's versatility, durability, and low cost. However, this convenience comes at a price, as the chemicals used in producing plastic can lead to unintended health outcomes.

We are exposed to plastics in three main ways daily. We digest microplastics by eating or drinking food that plastic has touched. We breathe in microplastics that have accumulated in the air. Lastly, microplastics enter our bodies through wounds, sweat glands, and hair follicles.

Plastic can only enter our body through these three ways, but the amount of times that plastic enters through these ways is very large. Through inhalation alone, it is estimated that we inhale 22 million micro and nanoplastics annually.

What is Plastic?

The word ‘plastic’ refers to a large variety of synthetic chemicals that are molded and shaped together into useful forms. The manufacture of plastics starts with small molecules (monomers) that are repeated thousands or millions of times and assembled into long strands called polymers. Most plastics are derived from fossil fuels.

There are many types of plastics, some of the most common are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam). 

There is one last common type of plastic and it is "other". This category includes plastics that are combined together and plastics that do not fall under the other six recycling codes. Popular plastics that are in this category are Polyurethane (PUR), Polyamide (Nylon), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA or Acrylic), and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon).

These are the recycling codes for plastic.

Plastics Can Cause Hormonal Disruption

Hormones are crucial for regulating various bodily functions including growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. Certain chemicals can mess with our hormones and disrupt the natural balance of them. Chemicals that do this are called endocrine disruptors and are also known as hormone-disrupting chemicals.

It is estimated that there are over 16,000 chemicals that are used to create plastics, and at least 4,000 of them are chemicals of concern. These chemicals of concern are often found to be endocrine disruptors because of how they can bind to hormone receptors causing a block in or alteration in normal hormonal signals.

This disruption can lead to a wide range of health issues, from developmental problems in children to metabolic and reproductive problems in adults.

Some studies have suggested a connection between chemicals in plastics and an increased risk of cancer. For instance, phthalates, a chemical added to some plastics, may cause an increased risk of cancer due to their estrogen-mimicking properties.

The impact of plastic chemicals on reproductive health is also well-documented. Phthalates and BPA, for example, have been associated with damaged fertility in both men and women. These chemicals can affect sperm quality, ovarian function, and hormone levels which can lead to difficulties in conceiving.

Plastic Pollution Affects Our Hormones

Plastic pollution can threaten our hormones also. From the extraction of raw materials to waste management, plastics pose threats to environmental health. Plastic can pollute both indoor and outdoor environments, and this pollution is what makes inhalation and digestion major routes of plastic exposure.

The extraction and transportation of the fossil fuels necessary for the creation of plastic, and the production of plastic release considerable amounts of harmful chemicals. These harmful chemicals seep into our environment and contaminate the animals we eat and the air that we breathe.

Poorly disposed plastics can accumulate in the environment leading to plastic pollution in marine and terrestial environments. Additionally, the burning of plastics, a common means of managing waste, emits toxic chemicals into the air.

An example of the effect that plastic pollution can have is the marine environment. Microplastics have greatly contaminated oceans and have caused many species of fish to be contaminated with microplastics which can make those fish species toxic to eat.

Common Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals In Plastic

These hormone-disrupting chemicals that are commonly found in plastics have been linked to causing issues in fertility, metabolism, and development.

• Bisphenol A (BPA): Often used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, BPA is found in a variety of products, from food containers to dental sealants.
• Phthalates: Used to make plastics more flexible, phthalates are found in products such as toys, vinyl flooring, and personal care items.
• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): This chemical is added to plastic to make it less likely to burn and can be found in electronics, furniture, and textiles.
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): This group of chemicals can be added to plastics to make them waterproof, stain-resistant, nonstick, and heat-resistant. They are common in food packaging, plastic containers, and clothing.
• Styrene: This chemical is used to make plastics like polystyrene and is commonly found in toys, styrofoam food packaging, and electronics.
• Organotin: Often used as a heat stabilizer in PVC and can be commonly found in toys, PVC water pipes, and school supplies.
  

Tips For Reducing Plastic Exposure

Plastics are extremely prevalent and can be abundantly found in most of the products we use daily. Reducing plastic exposure can help minimize your risk of hormonal disruption and plastic-related health issues.

These are some practical steps you can take to reduce plastic exposure:

• Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic food containers
• Choose products labeled as 'BPA-free', 'phthalate-free', and 'PFAS-free'
• Opt for reusable alternatives instead of single-use plastics
• Use water and air filters in your home
• Eat out less and cook from home more
• Use reusable or paper grocery bags instead of plastic ones
• Use non-plastic water bottles
• Look for companies that use eco-friendly packaging
• Choose clothing made from natural fibers

Plastic has a very widespread presence, but taking practical steps like these can help lower our daily exposure to it.

Conclusion

Being exposed to plastic is a common part of modern life. Understanding plastic's potential health risks and the sources of plastic can help you make more informed choices. The evidence linking chemicals in plastic and microplastics to hormonal disruption is growing and highlights the importance of reducing plastic exposure whenever possible.

By taking simple and practical steps to limit your use of plastics, you can protect your hormones and contribute towards a healthier planet.

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