Good Lifestyle

You are counting on plastic products every day, whether for food, medicine or personal hygiene products. But should you? In a recent scientific study, 74 percent of the plastic household items were found to contain toxic chemicals, adding to the evidence mounting stack that some plastics may pose a risk to your health.

Scientists have examined yogurt cups, bath sponges and other household items for theto study, Which has been published in theEnvironmental sciences and technology Review, exposing them to cell cultures.

In addition to 74 percent of positive tests like toxic, 30 percent had chemicals that could disrupt the endocrine system, which operate from the gland controls and metabolism. 27 percent have been tested positive for chemicals that can block testosterone production, interfere with the functions of puberty or sexual, while 12 percent have been tested positive for chemicals that stimulate estrogen, this which can cause early puberty in women, the reduction in the number of spermatozoa and obesity.

The largest offenders were produced based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), often used for plastic bottles and power trays, and polyurethane, used for spandex clothing, foams, surface coatings and others products. Researchers also stressed that consumers should avoid products that could contain unknown compounds.

Although toxic chemicals in these plastics are so low that scientists can not say if they will affect your health, it should still be a concern for health consumer.

"These chemicals simply should not be plastic, in the first place," said Martin Wagner, the main author of the new study and biologist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. "The problem is that plastics are made of a complex chemical cocktail, so we often do not know exactly what substances are the products we use. For most thousands of chemicals, no way of knowing if they are safe or not. "

What can you do?

Despite the news, all plastics are not toxic and discourage the authors of the study urged customers in search of their products, buy those who are better for them, and requests that stores and manufacturers do not sell only Non-toxic plastics.

Overall, the study revealed that plastics based on high density terephthalate polyethylene and polyethylene were considered less toxic than others. But, surprisingly, the options that have been considered "greener", such as bioplastics made from renewable biomass sources, still positive tested for toxicity when made with polylactic acid (PLA).

When shopping, search for the following:

• Products made with # 1 or # 2 plastic, which have less toxic chemicals
• Fees, non-packaged products and products stored in paper or glass containers will reduce your exposure to plastics.
• Finding plastic products labeled BPA, paraben and phthalates to avoid plastics that can more time release chemicals in the environment.

Dr. Mary Ann Block, medical director of an international clinic for the treatment of chronic health problems in Fort Worth, Texas, agreed that the study raises serious concerns.

"Any plastic is toxic and should not be consumed. Knowing this plastic is made from, as mentioned in the article, should concern everyone, "Dr. Block said. "Plastic products that are not consumed and not used in food or water packaging should not be directly harmful. However, when these plastic articles are eliminated, they can be a problem in the ground or groundwater. »

To make sure your home is safe for you and the whole family, do not miss this essential list100 ways your home could be making you sick.