Plastic is an integral part of our lives: packaging, clothing, clothing, cosmetics, utensils... It is omnipresent. But behind this convenience lies a worrying reality: its impact on the environment and, even more alarming, on our health. Silvy Auboiron, a specialist in the links between food and health, sheds light on the extent of the problem and the challenges to be met.

Plastic and the environment: global pollution

Every year, a colossal amount of plastic is produced and it is only growing. If some wastes are managed properly, 22% end up directly in the environment, a figure that can increase depending on the region of the world. But what's most shocking is that plastic production generates four times more greenhouse gases than aviation.

Once released into nature, plastic degrades under the action of water, UV and oxygen, etc. This decomposition produces microplastics (less than 5 mm) then nanoplastics, particles so fine that they travel long distances. They can also be found at 10,000 meters deep in the oceans than on the Himalayan glaciersBut beyond simple physical particles, there is another problem: chemical pollution. We count no less than 16,000 chemical compounds in the manufacture of plastics, many of which remain unknown due to the lack of transparency by manufacturers.

The invasion of microplastics in our daily lives

Plastics are everywhere, and they contaminate us in three main ways:

• Through the skin (synthetic clothing, cosmetics, air pollution)
• Through breathing (micro and nanoplastics suspended in the air)
• Through ingestion (water, food, food packaging)

Even bottled water, which is supposed to be purer, can contain up to 250,000 particles per liter, 90% of which are nanoparticles. The organs most at risk are those in direct contact with these substances: the skin, the lungs, the intestines. But particles are capable of penetrating the bloodstream and accumulating in unsuspected areas: testicles, kidneys, placenta and even the brain. Even more worrying, their presence increases with age, and their elimination by the body is still unknown.

Worrisome health effects

The health impacts of plastics fall into two categories:

Mechanical effects

Plastic particles irritant the body and may result in:

• Inflammations
• Respiratory pathologies
• Digestive cancers
• A disturbance in the intestinal microbiota
• Cardiovascular diseases (infarction, stroke)

Chemical effects

Plastics contain endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A or perfluorinated compounds. These substances are associated with serious health problems, including:

• Infertility
• Impaired fetal development
• Cancers
• Hormonal disorders

An alarming fact: 100% of the population exceeds the tolerance levels for bisphenol A since they were lowered due to new health risks.

Are there viable alternatives to plastic?

Faced with this observation, the temptation to completely ban plastic is great. But the reality is more complex:

• The glass is an interesting alternative: infinitely recyclable, inert for health. But its weight and its energy cost make it difficult to generalize.
• The metal, especially stainless steel, is lighter but expensive and energy-consuming to produce. Aluminum, on the other hand, cannot be used in food because it is toxic at high doses.

Recycled plastic remains an option, but food reuse is limited because of its sensitivity to wear and tear.

What solutions for the future?

European legislation is moving towards a ban on non-recyclable plastics by 2030, and businesses will have to reuse some of their packaging. However, the main challenge is to limit the use of plastic while developing profitable recycling channels.The public authorities must play a key role in imposing standards to facilitate reuse and recycling, while encouraging manufacturers to innovate. But it is also consumer pressure that can accelerate change. Massive awareness could force manufacturers to review their practices.

Conclusion: A fight that has only just begun

The impact of plastics on health is still poorly understood, but evidence is mounting. What was once a environmental issue is now becoming an issue Major health.

As Silvy Auboiron points out, we are at the beginning of awareness, and research is only emerging. In the years to come, more in-depth studies are likely to reveal an even more alarming reality, urging governments and industry to take action. In the meantime, reduce our plastic consumption remains the simplest and most effective gesture to protect our health and our planet.

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