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Plastic use may pose serious health risks

ISLAMABAD: Highly dangerous chemicals used in production of plastics and other compounds in our environment may cause cancer, infertility and other health problems.

Since 1976, plastics have been the most used material in the world, integrated into nearly every facet of our lives. Cars, cling wrap, food storage containers, shatterproof bottles, toys, medical equipment, the list is endless.

Recently, some scientists have raised red flags about potentially serious health problems arising from chemicals called Hormonally Active Agents (HAAs), which are present in plastics as well as in pesticides and other compounds in our environment.

These scientists claim that HAAs alter the normal hormonal balance in the body and may cause cancer, infertility and other health problems.

In 1999, the US National Research Council reported the results of a four-year study that found some evidence of such harms.

According to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reports, the body makes and uses many hormones. Each travels through the bloodstream to target tissues with specific receptor sites. If the hormone "fits" the receptor, much as a key fits a lock, the result is a hormone/receptor complex that controls various genes, turning them on or off and affecting various body functions.

Hormonally active agents are thought to work in much the same way. Once they enter the body, usually through the gastrointestinal tract or skin, they may mimic natural hormones by binding to the same receptors, although much more weakly.

For example, if an HAA mimics estrogen, it could bind to estrogen receptors and turn on estrogen-sensitive genes that would normally be turned off. In some cases, that might trigger unrestrained cell growth, leading to cancer.

Alternatively, HAAs could alter the way the body produces or metabolizes its own natural hormones. For example, they could increase the rate of estrogen breakdown, disrupting the normal functions of natural estrogen.

In animals, both in the wild and in laboratory studies. HAAs have produced serious problems, including: Decreased fertility or total infertility of certain animal species, leading to declines in those populations, tumors of the adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands, impaired neurologic function, such as movement and learning ability, immune system disfunction, physical deformities, especially of the reproductive organs.

In humans, large quantities of hormones can cause serious health effects. For example, many pregnant women who took the extremely potent hormonal drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) gave birth to children who had reproductive tract abnormalities and an increased risk of developing certain cancers.

Some scientists suggest that increased rates of breast and testicular cancer, decreased sperm counts and an increased number of boys born with hypospadia (a deformity in which the urethra opens along the shaft of the penis, rather than at the tip) are all related to HAAs but these links has been not proved yet.

Doctors recommend, drink from glass rather than plastic bottles as HAAs called phthalates can leach from the plastic into juice or water. Don't microwave food in plastic containers or covered with plastic wrap. Heat may allow HAAs to leach more quickly into food.

Use pesticides sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. Follow direction is precisely. Wash hands thoroughly after playing golf, because golf courses use pesticides heavily.

Don't let paint, pesticides, motor oil or other toxic substances contaminate ground water and the drinking supply.ÑAPP