Environmental Toxicology: Plastics

Plastic is a general term for a diverse group of polymeric materials that are used in a plethora of products. They represent a major source of human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, including phthalates, bisphenols and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). For humans, foods represent the main source of exposure, but common house dust can also be a significant source of exposure in small children.

Phthalates and bisphenol A can interfere with male reproductive development by inducing reproductive organ malformations and impaired sperm production. Also persistent halogenated chemicals may be intentionally or unintentionally present in plastics and migrate/leak to foods or the environment causing concern for male reproductive function.