If you have not been feeling well lately, then the amount of plastics in your life may be the reason. It was not until after World War II that the use of plastic skyrocketed. Today, researchers estimate that workers produce more than 450 million tons of plastic each year. All that plastic can have very harmful effects on your health and the health of those that you love.
More commonly referred to as PVC plastic, you encounter this type of plastic in numerous locations ranging from food packaging to baby pacifiers. It is the third most common plastic produced with manufacturers making an estimated 40 million tons each year. If you are exposed to enough of it, then you can become blind or deaf. You may also develop cancer or experience digestion problems.
Often called plasticizers, this type of plastic makes items more flexible. You probably have a variety of objects around your home made from this type of plastic, like vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, and beauty products. According to the Center for Disease Control, people as young as six can have measurable amounts of phthalates in their bodies. It may cause reproductive issues, breathing difficulties, and hormonal changes.
Manufacturers make a variety of products, including packing peanuts, CD cases, cups, and disposable cutlery, from polystyrene plastics. It is often preferred because it is a low-cost resin. It is one of the slowest plastics to biodegrade. Researchers have also linked it to many harmful health effects, including irritating eyes, nose, and throats. Cancer rates are higher in people making this type of plastic have a higher cancer rate than the general public.
Many people fail to realize that polyester is a type of plastic. You can find it in the clothing that you wear every day along with upholstery, baby diapers, and in bedding. While it is one of the safest plastics, it can still cause skin rashes and respiratory problems.
You can find acrylics in many different places, including contact lenses and dentures. You can also find it in numerous building and home décor products, including carpets, paint, and floor waxes. Exposure to acrylics can cause many health problems, like headaches, dizziness, and breathing difficulties.
These are just a few of the types of plastics that you may be around every day. Each has harmful health effects. You can help control those health effects by recycling your plastics instead of letting them build up in your home or the landfill. Call All County Recycling for plastic recycling in New Jersey. You will love working with this professional plastic recycling in New Jersey team that also serves Eastern Pennsylvania. Give them a call now to get started on the process.
