In the modern world, plastics are ubiquitous, perhaps making life convenient but carrying hidden – and not so hidden – costs. One of these is the impact of plastics on your endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs in your body that produces, stores and secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are chemical substances that act as messengers, controlling and regulating many key functions, including growth and development, metabolism (how your body converts food into energy), sexual function, reproduction and mood. Major components of the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas and gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males). Each gland produces specific hormones that target particular tissues and organs, orchestrating a harmonious balance that maintains health and homeostasis in the body.
Microplastics and human reproductive health
A groundbreaking study has found microplastics in testicular tissue, sparking concerns over male fertility. These tiny plastic particles, which pervade water, food, and even the air we breathe, are feared to disrupt hormonal function, including the regulation of testosterone and sperm production. The exact mechanism remains under investigation, but the correlation between environmental pollutants and declining sperm counts in recent decades is alarming. The presence of microplastics in such a sensitive area highlights a direct pathway through which these particles could be causing significant harm.
Researchers have also found that these tiny particles can make their way into breast milk, potentially exposing infants to microplastics from birth. This discovery is particularly alarming because breast milk is often the sole source of nutrition for infants, and the presence of microplastics could pose unknown health risks (breast milk remains the best nutrition for newborns, however). These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that microplastics are pervasive in our environment, infiltrating not just the world’s oceans and wildlife but human bodies as well.
Xenoestrogens: The chemical mimics
The potential for microplastics to interfere with the endocrine system is a significant concern, given that these particles can carry and leach chemical contaminants, acting similarly to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like xenoestrogens. Further complicating the plastic problem are xenoestrogens themselves – synthetic compounds found in many plastics that mimic natural estrogen. These chemical impostors can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, triggering or blocking hormonal activity inappropriately. Xenoestrogens are particularly pernicious because they can accumulate in the body over time. These scenarios can have various health implications, including impacts on fertility and menstrual cycle health, along with increased risks of some cancers.
The mechanisms of disruption
Xenoestrogens like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, commonly found in plastic containers, water bottles, and even on receipts, can leach into food and drinks, particularly when plastic containers are heated. Once inside the body, they can bind to estrogen receptors, either mimicking the effects of natural estrogen or blocking them, which disrupts the body’s hormonal harmony. This disruption can impair reproductive health, alter metabolic processes and increase the risk of certain cancers.
Addressing the challenge
The omnipresence of plastics in daily life makes total avoidance nearly impossible, but there are several steps you can take to minimise exposure and mitigate risks. Choose glass or stainless steel containers for food storage, especially for heating and carrying water. Avoid microwaving plastic containers or covering food with plastic wrap in the microwave. Be cautious with plastics labelled with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (bisphenols). Opt for fresh or frozen foods over canned goods, as can linings often contain BPA or other bisphenols that we currently know less about (than BPA). Use natural cleaning products and cosmetics free from phthalates and other synthetic additives.
