The Dangers of Plastics to Public Health: A Review

Abstract

Plastic materials are ubiquitous in our environment due to increased demand and poor management. Therein, these materials find their way into biological systems on land and water, leading to public health problems. Plastics become fragmented or degraded to yield smaller particles that enter into the body, which may be retained or translocated to organs and tissues. Thus, this paper identifies common fates and biochemical interaction with biological system and creates awareness and measures to curtail the escalating trend of plastics dangers in our environment.

Spectro-analytical Research of Selected Heavy Metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in Four Different Single-use Plastics Commonly in Contact with Food from Sokoto, Nigeria

“…The plastic was originated from Greek words "plasticos" meaning moulded. The term plastics refer to the property of a material having ductility during the process of manufacturing [1] [2]. The nature of plastic renders them the ability to be converted into several products that are diversely applicable in human endeavour [3] [4].…”

“…Commonly available plastics include: polyethene Terephthalate, found in soft drinks, salad trays, mouth wash bottle; high density polyethylene, found in food packaging, rest mats, cosmetics, raincoats; polyvinyl chloride, found in toys, dolls, beach balls, rubber medicine bottles; polypropylene, found in yoghurt bottles, medicine bottle; polystyrene, found in cassette cases, coffee cups, cutlery, computers; and polypropylenes, found in yoghurt bottles, medicine bottles [1][2] [4]. From 1950 to date, plastic industry has increased to a very significant extent and serves as an important economic sector of the world [2] [5]. Plastic Nobel properties such as malleability, durability, low-cost, multiple application and knowledge gap has led to a drastic growth in sector of plastic production over the years.…”

“…Globally, in 2015 around 322 million tons of plastics were produced, leading to 6,300 million tons of plastic waste, 9% of it was recycled, 12% incinerated and 79% was in landfills or leaked into the environment [6][7] [8]. If nothing tangible was implemented, the trend will skyrocket [2]. However, one of the leading types of plastics of concern is the single useplastics.…”

“…Similarly, every plastic is manufactured as a mixture of specific monomer resins and additives. In some of the additives added to these plastic materials are heavy metals [2]. Forsooth, there are revelations that shows these heavy metals in the plastics can leach to the environment or other contacts (such as food, water, human body) and might elicit negative effects [2] [12].…”

“…In some of the additives added to these plastic materials are heavy metals [2]. Forsooth, there are revelations that shows these heavy metals in the plastics can leach to the environment or other contacts (such as food, water, human body) and might elicit negative effects [2] [12]. All elements on earth can either be metals or nonmetals based on sets of criteria.…”