The chemicals added to plastics are likely contributing more than $250 billion to annual healthcare costs in the United States, researchers say.

They are used to give plastic products their distinctive durability, bendability and sleek, nonstick surface.

Yet some of these chemical additives have been tied to maladies such as breast and prostate cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as problems with children’s brain development and adult fertility.

Of particular concern are a class of additives known as endocrine disruptors — chemicals that mimic and confuse hormone signaling in humans.

Now, a team of physicians, epidemiologists and endocrinologists have estimated the costs of plastic exposure on the U.S. healthcare system and come to a sobering conclusion.

  • girlfreddy@lemmy.ca
    18·
    10 months ago

    “What this study tries to do is to say” to plastic manufacturers that “‘it’s not just that you’re hurting people’s lives, it’s that you’re costing the economy. … You are profiting as companies off the backs of people’s health and well-being,’” he said.

    Plastic manufacturers and the companies who use those containers don’t care what it does to us. They just don’t want to be forced to spread manufacturing out, to save on increased transportation costs that would come from using glass containers instead.

    But that’s what gov’ts have to do to change anything … shut down plastic usage and/or force those companies who use them to pay for the environmental damage and cost of healthcare.

  • Veedem@lemmy.worldEnglish
    15·
    10 months ago

    It’s so hard to break away from plastics. I switched out my Tupperware to glass and use a stainless steel water jug while at work, but everything comes in plastic. My yogurt this morning? Plastic container. The package for my coffee filters? Plastic. The ground beef for dinner tonight? Styrofoam tray wrapped in plastic.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
    5·
    10 months ago

    Which is worse- filtered water out of a bottle or tap water in a glass? I know you can filter tap water, but disregard that.