We all know that plastic is slow to degrade, and being inexpensive and durable is used in high amount. But did we ever ponder on the fact, that along with the pollution it causes to the environment, it is detrimental to our health also. The experts at Capitol Hospital will shed some light on the on plastic and how it plays a part in increasing the risk of cancer.

There are different kinds of plastic and not all of it is harmful. Some are designed for household products, some for gardening supplies and others are specifically made to store the food we eat.

Plastic poisoning can also occur when you reuse the plastic which shouldn’t be reused.

The children too are not safe from this menace. Thousands of children’s toys are made of plastic that could harbor chemicals that cause Autism, ADHD and Cancer. When left unmonitored, many children from 0-3 years of age have a habit of putting their toys in their mouth. This hand-to-mouth activity makes children more prone to the risk.

When heating the baby’s milk, plastic bottles should be avoided at all costs.

When we microwave food in plastic containers, the heat can result in the toxins releasing from the plastic and going into the food. Through that food it reaches our stomach and these harmful toxins result in cancer.

PETE or PET is a type of plastic used to store beverages. This plastic is intended for single use only. Hence, we should stop using the cold-drink bottles to store water in our fridges are for other such purposes, says the experts at Capitol.

Bisphenol A, or BPA is used in the production of food and drink containers and food can linings. In cans, BPA forms a barrier that prevents corrosion of the can and the migration of metal into the food. Studies indicate that small amounts of BPA can leach into drinks and food.

PVC also is a type of plastic which poses an elevated risk of cancer. Then there’s polystyrene, which is recognized as a possible human carcinogen. This plastic is used in take-out containers and to-go coffee cups. Along with increasing the risk of cancer, it can cause hormonal imbalances and reproductive health problems.

Many states have already taken steps by banning plastic polybags which are used abundantly in many parts of our country for vegetables and fruits by local vendors.

HDP or HDPE (Plastic with recycling symbol 2) and LDPE (Plastic with recycling symbol 4) plastics minimize our risk of health problems and these are the best options if you want to use plastic containers.

Plastic is everywhere and you cannot avoid them fully. But a few measures taken in the right direction can help reduce the risk a lot, says the experts at Capitol Hospital.

• Avoid canned foods; cook and eat fresh foods.
• Replace plastic water bottles, cups etc., with wooden and ceramic products.
• Use aluminum foil rather than plastic wraps.
• Don’t microwave plastic containers.
• Pay special attention to the toys children around you are playing with.
• Use baby bottles that say ‘BPA free’.

Although there is limited scientific evidence suggesting the link between the use of plastics in food wrapping and cancer, the harmful effects of plastic is enough to corroborate that we should inculcate these small changes and make our life better and safer. Presently the role of plastics cannot be ruled out; hence we should follow expert advice and be healthy.