The substance used in plastic water bottles was found in breast milk.

According to the research conducted by the United States (USA) National Center for Disease Control, it has been stated that there is a chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA), which adds hardness and transparency to breast milk, especially used in plastic water bottles, as a result of exposure to plastic products.

Professor at Ankara University (AU) Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Dr. Mustafa Şahin gave information to the AA reporter about the health effects of plastics used in many areas of life, especially toys, bags, storage boxes and various household items.

Noting that there are at least a thousand chemicals in plastics, Şahin said that at least 15 of them are endocrine disrupting chemicals that are effective on hormones.

Pointing out that bisphenols and phthalates are the most harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals, Şahin stated that Bisphenol A adds stiffness and transparency to the plastic material and is used especially in plastic water bottles, and plasticity is also provided with chemicals called phthalates.

Explaining that the structure contained in the chemical named Bisphenol A is the same as estrogen, Şahin said, “All chemicals containing this structure bind to the estrogen receptor and activate genes. Bisphenol A exposure is associated with many diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, infertility, hyperactivity, prostate and breast cancer, pituitary disorders. ” said.

Şahin underlined that phthalates are effective in the development of reproductive system disorders, low sperm count, infertility, breast, prostate and testicular cancers.

Stating that plastics are also used in dental fillings, baby bottles, plastic water bottles, canned outer surfaces and plates, Şahin said:

“Plastics are particularly likely to dissolve in acid products, foods such as tomatoes and acid drinks. In studies conducted by the National Center for Disease Control, it was found that 93 percent of Americans found Bisphenol A in their urine and even found high levels of Bisphenol A and other endocrine disruptors in breast milk. Because BPA crosses the placenta and can affect the fetus. Exposure to low doses of BPA in rats during pregnancy has been shown to affect postpartum brain development. In addition, another study reported that it may cause obesity by increasing appetite. ”

Stating that the effect of phthalates, which are used extensively in food packaging and daily care products, was examined in another study, Şahin continued his words as follows:

“As a result, higher phthalate levels were determined in people who consumed fast food and ate their meals outside restaurants. This was found in people who consumed the most types of burgers and sandwiches. It was also determined that plastics act as a hormone disrupter by reducing the production of male hormone. It was determined that phthalates cause a decrease in sperm count in men, and early exposure to phylate leads to decreased reproductive ability in the next generation. ”

BEWARE OF REFRIGERATOR BAGS OR OVEN BAGS!

Professor Dr. Şahin warned that there are plenty of BPA in all acidic beverages and higher phthalates in oily and calorie products.

Stressing that it is not appropriate to store food in plastic bags, Şahin said:

“By placing the food to be consumed, albeit an organic product, in a plastic-containing container, these hormone-disrupting chemicals pass into the food. Refrigerator packages and plastic cooking packages pose this risk. If the products used for making hot coffee or tea have plastic content, the chemicals penetrate into the beverages. Most breads are exposed to nylon packaging. This carries a risk. ”

MICROPLASTIC FOUND IN MARINE CREATURES

Şahin stated that, in addition to nylon and synthetic textile products, very small plastic parts formed by breaking out from other plastic items are called “microplastics”.

Stating that he has been exposed to microplastics in various ways such as house powder, skin care products, toothpaste, Şahin said, “Dr. of New York Fredonia University. As a result of the work carried out by Sherri A. Mason, very small plastic pieces were detected in 93 percent of the daily plastic water bottles. “He said.

Stating that the nanomaterials used thanks to nanotechnology can enter the body in various ways and affect the health badly over time. Dr. Şahin said, “At this stage, there are white goods, sun creams and cosmetic products made with nanotechnology. ” said.

Professor Dr. Stating that social awareness should be increased against plastic products and urgent measures should be taken regarding plastic toys, Şahin stated that it would be beneficial to include the subject in the curriculum in schools.

ATTENTION IF IT WILL BE WRITING ‘NON-STICK AND PAINTED’

Causing the removal of the interior of the fish and the consumption of products such as mussels, Şahin said, “Biodegradable polymers should be produced and plastics should be banned in some cases. Especially, the child should be contacted with the pregnant and risky population. In a product, promotions such as “non-stick, paint-free” should awaken attention and the content of the product should be checked. ”Made the assessment.

Şahin stated that it is necessary to reduce the consumption of canned and ready-made food and to consume fresh food during the season, to focus on home cooking, and to avoid the use of cosmetics, especially during pregnancy.

AA