Everyday plastic items contain many chemicals, some of which have documented negative health impacts. Most notably, phthalates and bisphenols are known endocrine disruptors and have health impacts ranging from reproductive development and fertility issues to behavioral problems and asthma in children. Exposure to these chemicals is especially concerning during fetal development, infancy, and childhood.
Research still needs to be done to fully understand the health impacts of these additives, but we know that at least some of them are toxic, and all can leach out of the plastic products we use everyday. As the New York Times reported in a 2020 story, this means we are all touching, eating, drinking, and breathing toxic chemicals. Here’s how you can reduce your family’s exposure to toxic chemicals contained in common household plastics.