By: Christy FischerErin Mascarenas

Sadie Yurista

IntroductionPlastics• have been around since the mid 1800s

• are in everything from cosmetics to medical equipment

• are known to have toxic components such as bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) that are capable of leaching out

Because plastics are so prevalent in our lives, the environmental and health implications should be further investigated

Take a moment and think…

How many times a day do you, your food, or drink come in

contact with plastics?

1839

Beginning of Plastic Era

Celluloid developed to replace ivory for billiard balls

1863 1872

PVC first created

1908

Cellophane developed

Plasticized PVC (Vinyl)

1926 1953

Saran Wrap introduced

1970

Thermoplastic Polyester (Mylar)

BPA first synthesized

1891

Commonly-Used Plastic Components

BPA and DEHP are found in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate plastics

BPA is an organic building block of several plastics including type 3 and 7 plastics.

DEHP is a common organic additive used to impart plasticity (fluidity) to materials such as plastic.

BPA and DEHPProduction• BPA is prepared by the condensation of

acetone with phenol, catalyzed by an acid, such as hydrochloric acid.

• DEHP is created by the reaction of phthalic anhydride with 2-ethylhexanol

Other Plasticizers• Though BPA and DEHP have been well-

studied, other plasticizers are now being used

BPA and DEHP UsesBPA has been used in:• Coating of food cans, baby bottles, food

containers, water bottles, dental sealants, toys, makeup, lotion, shampoo

DEHP has been used in:• IV tubing and bags, blood-storage bags,

medical devices, PVC gloves, garden hoses, food packaging, toys, paints, adhesives, floor and wall coverings

BPA ADAMEAbsorption• Ingestion, inhalation, dermal contactDistribution• Depends on point of origin, circulated throughout body by circulatory systemAction• BPA mimics estradiol – endocrine disruptor• Disrupts differentiation of androgen-dependant tissues• Causes failures in cleavage plane determination and

cytokinesis due to disruption of microtubule formation (SEE LINK to sea urchin development, Control (without BPA): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrJcQCTvuh4

with BPA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ0uGeMxgX0

• BPA has an oral LD50 of 3250 mg/kg in rats

BPA ADAME (continued)MetabolismBPA has an oral LD50 of 3250 mg/kg in ratsBPA conjugated with glucuronic acid to form

glucuronide Nearly entire oral dose metabolized during

first passExcretionGlucuronide completely excreted via urine

within 24 hours

DEHP ADAMEAbsorptionIngestion, inhalation, dermal contactDistributionDepends on point of origin, circulated

throughout body by circulatory systemActionPeroxisome proliferationInhibits fetal testicular testosterone

production

DEHP ADAME (continued)MetabolismDEHP hydrolyzes to mono-ethylhexyl

phthalate and then to phthalate salts. The released alcohol is susceptible to oxidation to aldehyde and carboxylic acid.

Excretion90% of metabolites excreted in urine10% of metabolites excreted in fecesOne-time dose no longer in plasma after 24

hours, 70% excreted from body by that time

Studies on BPAInduces fibroblast differentiation into adipocytes in

vitroDevelopmental toxicity, carcinogenic effects, and

possible neurotoxicity at low doses in animal modelsLinked to obesity by triggering fat-cell activity and

produces precursors of breast cancerInterferes with chemotherapeutic agents in breast

cancer cellsStudies by the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention found BPA in the urine of 93% of children and adults tested in 2003–04.

Studies on BPA (continued)Infants fed with liquid formula are among the

most exposed and those fed from polycarbonate bottles can consume up to 13 μg/kg/day of BPA. Some animal studies show effects at much lower doses.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers exposures up to 50 µg/kg/day to be safe.

Some research methods and funding sources have been criticized: some involved injecting BPA directly into animals and some were funded by plastic manufacturers.

BPA Health ImplicationsLow doses of BPA can mimic the body's

hormones, possibly causing negative health effects. Long term low dose exposure to BPA may induce chronic toxicity in humans.

High BPA levels were significantly associated with heart disease, diabetes, and abnormally high levels of certain liver enzymes.

Can promote breast-cancer cell growthHigh exposure may be associated with recurrent

miscarriage

Control 2.2 µM BPA

Studies on DEHPHepatotoxic at 300 mg/kg in rodents Metabolites produced by soil microbes are

more toxic than the original substanceBrief oral exposure to high levels caused

sperm damage in miceReduces testicular testosterone levels in fetal

and neonatal male ratsHumans may be affected by lower levels than

study animals

DEHP Health ImplicationsDecreased motility of sperm was noted in

men exposed to phthalates

Exposure to phthalates resulted in increased birth weights and longer gestation periods

May be carcinogenic

May be linked to kidney damage

Environmental ImpactsThe abundance of plasticizers has lead to their and the presence of their metabolites in the environment, sometimes in high concentrations

•Many plastics end up in landfills•Degradation/chemical release

-soil micro-organisms degrade plasticizers -these metabolites can be more toxic than original and resist further biodegradation

•Chemicals can seep into water supplies, which effects all biological life to some degree

ConclusionMore studies should be conducted as to the long-

term effects of BPA, DEHP, and other plastic compounds on health and the environment

Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, putting plastics in the dishwasher, using harsh detergents, and avoid storing containers above room temperature to minimize leaching

Recycling reduces the amount of plastic that the environment is exposed to and protects our water

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