Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to harden plastic, is found in a number of consumer products, including hard plastic drinking containers and the linings of infant formula and food cans. In animal studies, BPA imitates effects of estrogen. There is controversy about whether animal studies are relevant to humans. Some scientists and consumers suggest reducing exposure to BPA.
Find out more
Ingested plastic is not toxic. If you swallow a small piece, it should pass through your digestive system without causing harm. If you choke on the piece of plastic or it gets stuck in your throat or esophagus, you may experience difficulty breathing or chest pain. If the piece of plastic is sharp, it could cut somewhere along your digestive tract, which can cause bleeding.
Find out more
Microplastics are common throughout our environment and are present in the air, food, and drinking water. Microplastics have also been found in the human body, but it’s unclear if they cause undesirable health effects.
Find out more