<P> Due to the use of chemical additives during plastic production, plastics have potentially harmful effects that could prove to be carcinogenic or promote endocrine disruption . Some of the additives are used as phthalate plasticizers and brominated flame retardants . Through biomonitoring, chemicals in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, have been identified in the human population . Humans can be exposed to these chemicals through the nose, mouth, or skin . Although the level of exposure varies depending on age and geography, most humans experience simultaneous exposure to many of these chemicals . Average levels of daily exposure are below the levels deemed to be unsafe, but more research needs to be done on the effects of low dose exposure on humans . A lot is unknown on how severely humans are physically affected by these chemicals . Some of the chemicals used in plastic production can cause dermatitis upon contact with human skin . In many plastics, these toxic chemicals are only used in trace amounts, but significant testing is often required to ensure that the toxic elements are contained within the plastic by inert material or polymer . </P> <P> It can also affect humans in which it may create an eyesore that interferes with enjoyment of the natural environment . </P> <P> Due to the pervasiveness of plastic products, most of the human population is constantly exposed to the chemical components of plastics . 95% of adults in the United States have had detectable levels of BPA in their urine . Exposure to chemicals such as BPA have been correlated with disruptions in fertility, reproduction, sexual maturation, and other health effects . Specific phthalates have also resulted in similar biological effects . </P> <P> Bisphenol A affects gene expression related to the thyroid hormone axis, which affects biological functions such as metabolism and development . BPA can decrease thyroid hormone receptor (TR) activity by increasing TR transcriptional corepressor activity . This then decreases the level of thyroid hormone binding proteins that bind to triiodothyronine . By affecting the thyroid hormone axis, BPA expoure can lead to hypothyroidism . </P>

Plastic is a new powerful enemy of environment