Scientists have told about the dangers of plastic for health
Last reviewed: 30.05.2018
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Specialists from Australia found a relationship between the composition of the plastic and the development of some chronic pathologies.
There is not a single person who in his life would not have encountered plastic - because he surrounds us almost everywhere. Windows, furniture, plastic utensils, plastic toys and household items - with all this we deal with daily.
The fact that plastic releases chemicals is known for a long time. However, for a long time no one could prove how the release of these chemicals affects our health. Today, scientists say: in order to reduce the degree of danger to health, it is better to replace plastic products with wooden, metal or ceramic ones.
Over the past few years, medical experts are hotly debating the potential danger of phthalates - in most countries of the world these substances are already replaced by other, less harmful components. However, the total demand for products with phthalate content in the world is practically not reduced.
What is so dangerous phthalates? The scientists tried to answer this question.
Representatives of the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Institute of Medicine and Research examined in detail the effect of phthalates on the health of 1500 adult male volunteers.
The average age of the participants in the experiment was 35 years - at this age a person is able to accumulate a maximum of harmful chemical compounds. During previous experiments, it was observed that the intake of semi-finished products and products in packages, as well as sweet soda, leads to the accumulation of phthalates in the body.
"We compared the level of phthalates in the blood with the indicators of the overall incidence of participants. It was found that these chemical components increase the risk of developing myocardial ischemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes, "said the study's head Dr. Zumin Shi.
The results of the study were found to be reliable, as they took into account the specific features of the participants' way of life, and certain social factors.
Even in people who suffered from excessive body weight - and there were 82% - the main risk factor were all the same phthalates.
"Previously, we have already conducted research on the effects of phthalates on the health of children and the elderly. Now we have analyzed the relationship between the composition of plastic and the health status of strong 35-year-old men, "Professor Shi said.
Now scientists are trying to understand how chemical components can lead to the development of several pathologies simultaneously. Presumably, plastic affects the work of the endocrine glands. However, it is noteworthy that, against the background of an elevated level of phthalates, the markers of the chronic inflammatory reaction were observed in the subjects examined.
Almost 15 years ago, scientists have proven that mono-components of phthalates activate the production of interleukins that support the inflammatory process. If phthalates actually lead to inflammatory changes in the vessels, then all links of the chain are connected.
Perhaps, it is already time that humanity will have to seriously think about what surrounds it and what it has to eat.
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