Is there a moment when we do not touch any plastic material today? If we exclude exceptions, we use plastic materials in some areas such as electronics, textile, chemistry, pharmaceutical and medicine with many ways. We cannot end with counting. We use plastic materials for many purposes because they are elastic and resistant to environmental conditions.
Apart from these areas, I think there is a more striking situation when it comes to food products. Question mark in the heads … Does the use of plastic in food products harm our health? In studies conducted at New York State University, with the determination that only 17 of the 259 specimens in which water was preserved were not found plastic traces, the attention was directed more and more because plastic products can be used repeatedly in the preservation of a large number of aquaculture products. There are also plastic producers on the other side of the subject, which make statements in the opposite direction. In fact, the first doubts about the use of plastics, perhaps you remember, were starting with the substance Bisphenol A. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the producers started to produce goods that do not contain Bisphenol A chemicals and even made some symbolic signs that emphasized their absence. In subsequent studies, it was stated that Bisphenol A chemical occurs with large amounts of carcinogenic effect.
Going back to our topic, we use very serious plastic, it is true, even according to the studies, it is predicted that the amount of plastic consumed per person in 2015 reached 140 kg, yes, you have not heard wrong, and 140 kg. Those who wish can calculate how much plastic material they consume per day. I am sure that when we calculate 140 kg per person with the population living in the world, it will not be a very heartwarming number.
Well, moving on question of whether any other research has been done after the plastic parts have been detected in the water, the answer is definitely yes.
In fact, what is meant by plastic parts is that particles in micron or nanometer criteria are broken down within a certain period of time. Since the dimensions are very small (nanometers are smaller than microns), there is no possibility to physically distinguish them. Therefore, it seems likely that some amount will be taken both while drinking water and in environments with plastics. It would be wrong to limit this issue to waters only. I mentioned the toothpastes, make-up materials and other areas when I first entered the subject, we should not skip it.
Plastics affect their environment in two ways, physical and chemical.
PHYSICAL EFFECT OF PLASTICS
Studies show that micro parts separated from all plastics can enter the blood circulation system, but cannot be attached to organs and removed from the body. However, it has also been reported to cause some inflammatory (inflammatory) conditions in the internal organs. It was reported that nanoscale parts had more negative results than micro scales. Since it is very small in size, it can hold tissues and organs more comfortably. It is also thought that it may form a bond especially with proteins. To sum up, according to current research, it is not fully understood how micro and nanoscale plastic particles have an effect on humans, and more research is needed in this field. However, it is believed that nano-sized pieces broken from plastic bottles or packages will pose a greater risk.
Note: Particles at nano level are 1000 times smaller than micro level
CHEMICAL EFFECT OF PLASTICS
Some chemicals are used to bring plastics into industrially usable form. It is impossible to address all of these chemicals, but I believe that two of the most used and research subjects (BPA and Phthalates) should be explained. Let’s take a closer look at them.
BISFENOL A (BPA)
One of the first substances in mind (BPA) used for this purpose is Bisphenol A. Despite the absence of a clear relationship on cancer as mentioned above because of its negative effects on the endocrine system (hormones), it is prohibited by many countries (including Turkey). BPA substance can replace estradiol, the primary sex hormone in fertile women. This has a negative effect on health in parallel with the increase of hormones. While high estradiol may cause difficulty in getting pregnant in women, sexual anorexia in men, it brings other health problems such as breast growth as well.
We mentioned that BPA is banned. Then we have to ask ourselves the following question: If it is banned, but there is no change in the quality of plastics, what is used instead? BPAF, BPF and BPS materials started to be used at this point as an alternative. In short, unfortunately, the problem is not solved with the words “BPA FREE” and “BPA free”. That’s right: The manufacturer declares that he doesn’t just use BPA, but he can use his alternatives. Unfortunately, scientific studies on BPAF, BPF and BPS are not heartwarming. To mention briefly; In a study conducted in 2017, the negative effect on the hormonal system was listed as BPAF> BPA = BPF> BPS. In other words, alternatives can create more harmful or equal potential problems compared to BPA. In short, there is not much that has changed, even more negative consequences. You have to be cautious. From a manufacturer perspective, alternative chemicals to BPA are continued to be used until banned.
PHTHALATES
Besides BPA, there are also phthalates. I think it should be mentioned a little bit. Phthalates are added to PVC that can be broken easily to give flexibility. Especially because they are soluble in oil, they can pose a risk in fatty foods. We can include sauces or cosmetics with high fat content in this class.
Phthalates have a negative effect on the hormonal system just like BPA. It is responsible for decreasing the levels of testosterone and sperm in men and causing variability in women, estradiol (previously mentioned), the sex hormone.
In another study, it was determined that the amount of phthalates increased in food products that were wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked at high temperature.
Due to its current effects, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has added this substance to the list of “alarming chemicals”. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has classified phthalates as “toxic for reproduction”. However, Turkey has brought in the framework of harmonization with the EU limit for phthalates.
To sum up, it is supported by scientific studies that plastic materials we use in all areas of our lives have negative effects on both the environment and our health. It will be enough for us to think and look around. Because we are in such interaction with plastics that we come across almost every sector from food, cosmetics, toys to textiles.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
We should ask ourselves what should be done after so dark. The first thing to do is to reduce the use of plastics for our environment and health. This is the most important personal application. It may be useful to use cloth net instead of plastic bag when going to the market. Or we can classify different products by putting different products in a single bag instead of more plastic bags. While drinking coffee, we can prefer cups instead of single used glasses. Also, wee can carry a stainless steel water continer to drink water. Another good example, we can prepare our sauces ourselves and store them in glass jars. Actually, there is a lot to do personally. In the meantime, there are also joint initiatives on this issue… With the concept of Zero Waste, the ways of sustainable life are explored and the people are guided with the practical applications developed without leaving waste. In the future, I am planning to write an article about the concept of Zero Waste.
With the advancement of technology, studies are also carried out on alternative materials to plastics. One of them is plastic-like products obtained from mushrooms. When the researches complate, we can think that this plastic-like product obtained naturally will make important contributions for both the environment and our health.
FINALLY;
Plastic materials make our lives easier, but the price paid for this significantly affects the environment and life. The plastics that remain in the nature for a long time turn around and return to us again. In short, we do not get rid of it by throwing it in the trash.
Hoping to leave a plastic life…
References
Rubin,S.B.; Bisphenol A: An endocrine disruptor with widespread exposure and multiple effects. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 127 (2011) 27– 34
Moreman, J.; Lee, O.; Trznadel, M.; David, A.; Kudoh, T and Tyler, R.C. Acute Toxicity, Teratogenic, and Estrogeni Effects of Bisphenol A and Its Alternative Replacements Bisphenol S, Bisphenol F, and Bispchenol AF in Zebrafish Embryo-Larvae. Environmental Science &Technology 2017, 51, 12796−12805
Yerlikaya, P. Fitalat esterleri ve su ürünleri tüketimindeki yeri. Journal of Food and Health Science, 3(2): 59-66 (2017)
Pivokonsky, M., et al., Occurrence of microplastics in raw and treated drinking water, Sci Total Environ (2018), https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.102
Mintenig S.M., Löder M.G.J., Primpke S., Gerdts G. Low numbers of microplastics detected in drinking water from ground water sources. Science of the Total Environment 648 (2019) 631–635
https://www.ted.com/talks/eben_bayer_are_mushrooms_the_new_plastic/transcript 18.08.2019
