Plastics are ubiquitous—they are quite literally everywhere.
In fact, it would be quicker to count the things that don't contain plastic than to count the things that do.
However, they are not always visible to the naked eye. Microplastics and plastic chemicals hide in plain sight and are in the things we eat, drink, wear, touch, and apply.
That’s right. We constantly consume, inhale and absorb plastic. As these plastics (or microplastics) enter our bodies, the toxic chemicals within them leach out and, consequently, wreak havoc.
We already know the devastating environmental impacts that plastics are creating, but how bad are they really for human health?
Our new report with JBI, Umbrella Review, Impact of Plastic-Associated Chemical Exposure on Human Health, seeks to answer this question by combining data from many systematic reviews.
52 systematic reviews
involving >900 meta-analyses
on ~1.5 million individuals
and represented pregnant women, babies, children and adults
What did we find? Consistent and irrefutable evidence that the examined plastic chemicals cause harm to human health across every stage of life.
This article discusses the potential health impacts of toxic chemicals found in plastics, including serious conditions such as reproductive health issues, developmental disorders, and cancer. If you find this content distressing, please proceed with caution. If you need support, consider contacting a mental health professional or a support service such as Lifeline at 13 11 14 or the Pregnancy Birth and Baby Helpline on 1800 882 436.
Extremely alarming evidence of the following health harms were linked with higher exposure to the chemicals examined (which include BPA, phthalates, PCBs, PBDEs and PFAS).
Decreased weight and genital malformation in newborn babies
Neurodevelopmental disorders in children
Bronchitis in children
Early puberty onset for girls
Obesity in children and adults
Insulin resistance in children and adults
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children and adults
PCOS and endometriosis in women
Reproductive health impacts in men and women
Miscarriages in women
Cancers in men and women
Cardiovascular disease
Type II diabetes in adults
Liver disease in adults.
Despite the known dangers, many plastic chemicals remain untested and unregulated, allowing toxic substances to persist in the products we use every day.
And knowledge is power. Knowing what items contain plastics is the first step towards limiting our contact with (and consumption of) them.
That's why we have created a list of…
Here are our top 5 items you wouldn't suspect to contain plastics, alongside some alternatives you can choose instead – and they won’t cost you more.
You might have thought you were safe with this one! Don't let the aluminium exterior fool you. Aluminium cans (such as those containing soft drinks and non-perishable food items) often have an internal plastic coating to prevent corrosion and leaks. Affordable BPA-free aluminium cans are readily available for some products. Wherever possible, aim to look out for these. Other alternatives include buying in-season fresh produce over canned alternatives (e.g. tomatoes) and making homemade lemonade or iced tea instead of reaching for soft drinks.
Drinking tea often feels like a wholesome, healthy treat—but is it only tea we’re drinking? A recent study found that a single tea bag can release more than 11 billion microplastics into a single cup. Even paper teabags contain a small amount of plastic to seal the bag and help it retain its shape in boiling water. So, what can you do instead? Consider opting for loose-leaf tea (often more economical when bought in bulk) to reduce your chance of contact with the toxins found within microplastics.
Have you ever wondered where that chewy texture in gum comes from? Chewing gum is literally made of synthetic elastomers, a type of plastic. This material is also commonly found in shoe soles, car tyres, and conveyor belts… Yuck! Next time you're craving a piece of gum, look for an affordable brand that uses only natural ingredients, such as tree saps. You could also opt for a mint instead, which isn’t made of plastic, is typically comparable in price to regular gum, and scratches the same itch for some minty freshness!
You know those thick, shiny receipts you receive after making a purchase? They're called thermal printed receipts and often come coated with a plastic chemical (BPA), which helps develop the ink during printing. As a customer, you could ask for your receipt to be emailed. (Luckily, more and more stores are providing this option, and it’s free.)
Not to add salt to the wound with this final item, but you could be sprinkling tiny plastic particles onto your dinner each night. A recent study found that 90 per cent of the sampled table salt brands worldwide contained microplastics. The study found that microplastics (and therefore the chemicals within them) were present in sea salts at much higher rates than rock and lake salts, respectively. Additionally, sea pollution in the place of origin was directly correlated with the presence of microplastics in the sampled salt. It might pay to research when selecting a salt brand, but luckily, better alternatives are often available at similar prices. To be really safe, consider reducing your salt intake by using acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to bring out the flavour of your food.
7 ways to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday plastics, based on evidence vetted by our scientists.
Join our e-newsletter to get exclusive access to our eBook, where you’ll learn about the toxic chemicals we are working to regulate through the Global Plastics Treaty and discover practical steps to reduce exposure to you and your family.
Now, it’s time for action! We hope this list prompts you to think more deeply about the prevalence of plastic in your life and choose ways to tone down its omnipresence—for you, all people, animals, and the planet.
The team at Minderoo are advocating for a robust Global Plastics Treaty that stops the use of 5 chemicals of concern in everyday plastic. To follow our journey and stay updated on ways that you can take meaningful action, join our online community to receive updates here.
