Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
To say that plastics are everywhere is an understatement. Most people do not realize that plastics are in their personal care products. They are in such things as facial scrubs, bodywashes and even in toothpaste. Their purpose is to provide gentle exfoliation and to aid in deep cleaning.
The plastics are also there to provide a protective film, as in products such as sunscreens, lotions and even hairspray. These plastics are even responsible for that pearlescent glow or opaque finish you get with certain cosmetics.
Plastics are virtually indestructible and are becoming a problem for the environment. They are difficult to capture and waste management systems struggle with removing them.
What is even more disturbing is that they enter our bodies through the gut, skin, lungs and even the placenta. Because they are in breast milk and the placenta, babies are exposed to these plastics even before birth.
Plastics have been found in the blocked arteries of the heart. They have been implicated in triggering the inflammatory processes of the skin, inducing lupus-like symptoms. Along with chemical additives such as phthalates and bisphenols, there have been exacerbations of allergic dermatitis and aggravation of acne.
From my point of view, I can see nothing good for one’s long-term health from these plastics. The fact is the vast majority of people unknowingly ingest a credit card-sized amount of plastic each and every week.
Why are we in such a pickle? There are several reasons for this. The first is that people are unaware that this is a major problem. If more people were aware, hopefully, more people would be outraged about this.
A second problem is that the United States has very weak regulations in place to address the use of these plastics. I fear that in our current political environment, such needed regulations to protect communities will not come in a timely fashion.
The third problem is that our nation’s public health policies are very weak in this field. We need more research to examine the problems associated with plastics and their use.
There are safer products available that do not contain plastics and other additives. They may not spread as evenly, exfoliate as well, or leave your skin with a glow, but they are safer for your health.
Pay attention to the ingredients in your personal care products. Make a concerted effort to use products that do not contain plastics. Consult safe and responsible websites such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to determine which products are the safest to use. Educate yourself on this topic. You will hear more about it.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
