I urge you to look around your environment right now. To your left, right, up, down and behind you. How many things around you are made of plastic?

I stopped counting at 15, but it certainly is more than that.

In 1950, the world produced 2 million tonnes of plastic. In 2019, that number grew to over 460 million tonnes. Almost every manufactured good today is either entirely made of plastic or has plastic components.

Why is this important? Isn’t it a good thing to have a cheap, readily available building material to craft whatever our minds can think up?

While plastics are convenient, what we’re going to explore today are the prominent chemicals used to make plastics, and how they are harmful to both you, your sexual health and our environments.

Breaking it Down: What is Plastic Made Of?

Plastics are composed of a wide array of chemicals, each contributing to the material’s unique properties and applications. The backbone of most plastics consists of polymers, primarily derived from petroleum or natural gas.

Common chemicals used in plastic production include bisphenols like BPA, which are used to create hard polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Phthalates are another group of chemicals frequently employed as plasticizers to enhance flexibility and durability in plastics like PVC.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) are often referred to as ‘forever-chemicals’ because of the fact that they breakdown very slowly and can imbed themselves in human tissues. Because they are heat, water and oil resistant, they are used in many plastics containers and other items found around the household. Since the 1950’s, PFAS have been used in:

• Carpeting
• Waterproof clothing
• Upholstery
• Food paper wrappings
• Personal care products
• Fire-fighting foams
• Metal plating

Additionally, chemicals such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and melamine are considered safer options for food-contact plastics. However, the production process often involves additives like flame retardants, UV stabilizers, and colorants, which can include potentially harmful substances such as brominated compounds and heavy metals.

With over 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic materials, the complexity of plastic composition raises concerns about potential health and environmental impacts.

You have probably heard of one or two of these common chemical compounds, but how exactly do they affect us?

Chemical Effects on our Biology

Even though you can’t see the plastic tupperware in your sink leaching chemicals, or the water from your plastic water bottle tastes fine, doesn’t mean that these chemicals are not escaping the container they were originally held in.

The unfortunate news is that they are, and when they are ingested, breathed or come into contact with your skin, they can wreak havoc on our biology.

Endocrine Disruption

One of the primary mechanisms through which these toxins affect our biology is endocrine disruption. BPA, for instance, is known to act like estrogen in the body, potentially altering hormone balance and affecting reproduction, metabolism, and behavior. 

Immune System Disruption

Both PFAS and BPA have been linked to immunosuppressive effects. PFAS exposure has been associated with impaired immune system response, which can increase susceptibility to various diseases. 

Similarly, BPA exposure has been shown to affect the immune system, potentially leading to inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders.

Metabolic and Cardiovascular Impact

These toxins can also influence metabolic processes and cardiovascular health.

PFAS exposure has been linked to higher cholesterol levels and metabolic changes. BPA has been associated with insulin resistance and high blood pressure, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease risk

Developmental Concerns

Exposure to these chemicals during critical developmental periods, such as in utero or during early childhood, can have long-lasting effects. Studies have shown that prenatal exposure to phthalates and PFAS can negatively impact epigenetic age and biological age acceleration.

Effects on Our Sexual Biology

Reproductive Health

BPA and other bisphenols have been associated with changes in reproductive health, including diminished sperm counts. This can significantly affect male fertility and reproductive success.

Hormonal Balance

The endocrine-disrupting properties of these chemicals can alter the delicate balance of male hormones. BPA, for example, has been shown to have anti-androgenic effects, which could potentially lead to decreased testosterone levels and associated sexual health issues.

Testicular Function

Some studies have suggested that exposure to these toxins may affect testicular function and sperm production. This could lead to reduced sperm quality and quantity, impacting overall reproductive health.

Prostate Health

There is emerging evidence linking exposure to certain environmental toxins with an increased risk of prostate-related issues, including prostate cancer. While more research is needed, this potential connection highlights the far-reaching effects these chemicals may have on men’s sexual health.

Mitigation and Detoxification

Plastics and their component chemicals are widespread and we are subject to exposure constantly.

Luckily, there are many ways we can decrease our risk of exposure AND help our bodies to remove the unwanted and unwelcome chemicals we pick up along the way.

• Avoid plastic food containers and water bottles, especially those containing BPA. Opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives instead.
• Never microwave food in plastic containers or with plastic wrap, as heat can cause chemicals to leach into food.
• Reduce consumption of canned foods, as many can linings contain BPA. Choose fresh or frozen options when possible.
• Avoid handling thermal paper receipts, which often contain BPA that can be absorbed through the skin.
• Choose personal care products and cosmetics that come in glass or metal containers rather than plastic. Visit the Environmental Working Group’s database on clean personal care products here.
• Use natural fiber clothing and bedding instead of synthetic materials that can shed microplastics.
• Filter your tap water to remove potential microplastics and other contaminants.
• Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to reduce household dust that may contain plastic particles.
• Avoid plastic toys, especially for young children who may put them in their mouths.
• Choose fresh, unpackaged produce over pre-packaged options when grocery shopping.
• Use reusable cloth bags instead of plastic bags for shopping and food storage.
• Opt for natural materials like wood, bamboo, or metal for household items like cutting boards, utensils, and storage containers.

Using these strategies will greatly lower your overall exposure and toxin load from chemicals found in plastics.

Detoxification

While our bodies have natural detoxification mechanisms, there are strategies that may help support and optimize these processes to deal with environmental toxins like plastic chemicals. Here are some strategies to try:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins through the urinary system.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Focus on foods high in antioxidants, fiber, and sulfur-containing compounds like cruciferous vegetables, which support liver detoxification pathways.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity promotes sweating and circulation, which can help eliminate toxins.
• Get adequate sleep: Sleep is crucial for the body’s natural detoxification processes.
• Support liver health: Consume foods and herbs that support liver function, such as milk thistle, turmeric, and green tea.
• Increase fiber intake: Dietary fiber can bind to toxins in the digestive tract and help eliminate them.
• Consider supplements: Certain supplements like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid may support detoxification processes.
• Practice intermittent fasting: This may enhance cellular repair processes and promote autophagy, which can help remove damaged cellular components.
• Use a sauna: Sweating induced by sauna use may help eliminate some toxins through the skin.
• Reduce overall exposure: While not directly related to detoxification, minimizing exposure to plastic chemicals is crucial in reducing the body’s toxic burden

A Call To Clean Living

The pervasive presence of chemical environmental toxins like PFAS and BPA in our daily lives poses a significant challenge to our health, with particularly concerning implications for men’s sexual and reproductive well-being.

As we’ve explored, these invisible invaders can disrupt our endocrine systems, impact fertility, and potentially contribute to a range of health issues. While the prevelance of these chemicals in modern life may seem daunting, there are steps we can take to minimize exposure and support our body’s natural detoxification processes.

By making informed choices about the products we use, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and staying informed about emerging research, we can work towards reducing our toxic burden.

As consumers and citizens, we also have the power to advocate for stricter regulations and safer alternatives. The journey towards a less toxic future is a collective one, requiring awareness, action, and a commitment to prioritizing our health and the health of future generations.

Remember, every small step towards reducing exposure and supporting our body’s resilience counts in the face of these chemical challenges.

References

Hannah Ritchie, Veronika Samborska and Max Roser (2023) – “Plastic Pollution” Published online at OurWorldinData.org. Retrieved from: ‘https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution‘

Manzoor MF, Tariq T, Fatima B, Sahar A, Tariq F, Munir S, Khan S, Nawaz Ranjha MMA, Sameen A, Zeng XA, Ibrahim SA. An insight into bisphenol A, food exposure and its adverse effects on health: A review. Front Nutr. 2022 Nov 3;9:1047827. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1047827. PMID: 36407508; PMCID: PMC9671506.

Fenton SE, Ducatman A, Boobis A, DeWitt JC, Lau C, Ng C, Smith JS, Roberts SM. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research. Environ Toxicol Chem. 2021 Mar;40(3):606-630. doi: 10.1002/etc.4890. Epub 2020 Dec 7. PMID: 33017053; PMCID: PMC7906952.

Loria, Kevin. “What’s the Difference among Microplastics, Phthalates, BPA, and Pfas?” Consumer Reports, 29 May 2024, www.consumerreports.org/toxic-chemicals-substances/microplastics-phthalates-bpa-pfas-a1059022044/.

Palardy, Jim. “Science Study Shows That Nearly 80% of the Annual Plastic Flow into the Environment Can Be Stopped Using Existing Technology.” The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Pew Charitable Trusts, 23 July 2020, www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/07/23/science-study-shows-that-nearly-80-percent-of-the-annual-plastic-flow-into-the-environment.

“Concerns about Chemicals and Plastics.” CHEM Trust, chemtrust.org/concerns-about-chemicals-and-plastics/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.