The Plastics Problem
Plastics and Microplastics:
a Threat to the Environment and Health

News and Information about Plastics

Plastics of Particular Concern: BPA and DEHP
Nearly 100 billion pounds of plastic are produced in the United States each year. Plastics are now heavily used in food and beverage packaging, building products, electrical wiring, vehicles, furniture, toys, and medical devices. Plastics now comprise nearly 70% of the synthetic chemical industry in the nation. EHHI's report focuses on two plastic ingredients — bisphenol A (BPA) and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

Microplastics linked to heart attack, stroke and death
Scientific American reports that a study of more than 200 people undergoing surgery found that nearly 60% had microplastics or even smaller nanoplastics in a main artery. Those who did were 4.5 times more likely to experience a heart attack, a stroke or death in the approximately 34 months after the surgery than were those whose arteries were plastic-free.

Microplastics found in all human placentas and arteries tested
Environmental Health News reports a new study showing microplastics, especially polyethylene, in every developing fetus tested. A second study revealed microplastics in all the human arteries tested and suggested the particles may be linked to clogging of the blood vessels. Microplastics have also recently been discovered in blood and breast milk.

Plastics: Packaging Is a Big Problem
The Yale Business School says because packaging has such a short use phase for us as consumers, we throw away a lot of it. And 46% of the plastic that’s produced is packaging, so fixing our broken system is important.

Webinar: CLARITY-BPA: Achieving clarity on low dose effects of bisphenol A

Bioplastics: sustainable solution or distraction from the plastic waste crisis?

Bisphenol A — Toxic Plastics Chemical in Canned Food

Study shows PFAS from fluorinated HDPE containers can contaminate food
University of Notre Dame researchers found evidence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) migrating from fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic containers into food.

CT Attorney General Calls for Robust Stategy to Fight Plastic Pollution
Attorney General William Tong today announced joining a coalition of 14 attorneys general in urging the Biden administration to adopt a more comprehensive strategy to combat the plastic pollution crisis.

New York's ambitious EPR bill faces lobbying frenzy
New York’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) bill is expected to face fierce industry resistance. The bill would force major companies to pay for all packaging waste management in New York state.

California passes strongest EPR and recycling legislation in the U.S.
In June, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed Senate Bill 54, which starts the process for the state to create the largest extended producer responsibility (EPR) program and strictest plastic reduction targets in the country.

Op-Ed: Health care practitioners and regulators need to address the chemicals in everyday products that are in part spurring the obesity crisis.
We are all exposed to synthetic chemicals that can promote obesity, such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals, in our environment and in common household products. Exposure to these “obesogens” at any time of life can increase weight gain.

BPA Still a Favorite Among Canned Good Brands

BPA Alternative Disrupts Normal Brain-Cell Growth, Is Tied to Hyperactivity, Study Says

The Estrogenic Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) and Obesity

Pervasive Threat: The Danger of in utero BPA Exposure

Phthalates Potentially Alter Levels of a Pregnancy Hormone that Influences Sex Development

Do Our Bodies Safely Break Down BPA? Fat Chance, Study Suggests

Hyperactivity in Children Linked to Plastic Additive, BPA