Chemicals found in common plastics are known or suspected to be contributing to a number of common health problems, including cancers and infertility. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals - or EDCs - can interfere with the body's normal functioning, but researchers say there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00 As humans, we're exposed to combinations of so many different types of chemicals that
00:06 it's often not possible for scientists to tell if and how specific ones can affect our
00:11 health. But in the case of endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, the World Health Organisation
00:17 says it's wise to take precautions.
00:20 More than 800 chemicals are known or suspected EDCs that may mimic, block or interfere with
00:26 the body's hormones.
00:28 They can interfere with our normal regulation of our body, so that's what could be quite
00:32 dangerous about them.
00:33 EDCs are linked to a variety of illnesses from cancers to cardiovascular disease and
00:39 a long list of other health issues like infertility and learning disabilities.
00:44 Research shows EDCs present in 95% of people tested. So what can you do to reduce your
00:50 exposure? One good place to start is in the kitchen.
00:54 Mark Green is an Associate Professor in Reproductive Biology. He recommends food stored in plastic,
01:00 like takeaway containers, should be transferred to a china or glass plate or bowl before reheating.
01:05 If you've ever made something like lasagne, you put it in there and you can get that orange
01:10 surface around here, it's because the chemicals have actually come into the food.
01:15 Stainless steel or glass water bottles help to reduce exposure from the chemicals used
01:20 to make disposable plastic bottles flexible.
01:23 So really it's the squeezy plastic water bottle we've got here, made from things like
01:27 bisphenol A or BPA, which is the most classic one. So try not to use this.
01:31 Dietary changes can also help. Experts advise reducing intake of tinder foods, as plastic
01:37 is widely used to line cans, and eating less oily fish, which can absorb chemicals from
01:43 the environment.
01:44 Washing off fruit and vegetables, making sure that we're getting rid of any pesticides,
01:49 herbicides and sprays that might have been put on there, before of course consuming them.
01:53 A national approach to managing chemical use and disposal has recently been set up to deliver
01:58 more consistent regulation and make it easier for industry to choose less harmful chemical
02:03 additives in plastics.
02:05 [BLANK_AUDIO]