Guest: Dr. Yulaw Plact, Cancer Biologist
Bard: Hi Dr. Plact, can you tell us about the relationship between plastic products and cancer?
Dr. Plact: Of course. Plastic products play an important role in our daily lives. But some types of plastics can contain chemicals that can cause cancer. These chemicals can leach into plastics during their production or use.
Bard: Which types of plastic can cause cancer?
Dr. Plact: Types of plastics such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and polycarbonate can contain chemicals that can cause cancer. BPA is commonly used in plastic food containers and baby bottles, while phthalates are found in cosmetics and soft plastics such as plastic toys. Polycarbonate is used in hard plastics such as plastic water bottles and food storage containers.
Bard: What is the mechanism by which plastic products cause cancer?
Dr. Plact: Chemicals leaching from plastic products can cause cancer by mimicking hormones or damaging DNA. These chemicals pose a greater risk, especially for fetuses, infants and children.
Bard: What can we do to reduce the cancer risk of plastic products?
Dr. Plact: Reducing the use of plastic products will also reduce exposure to chemicals that can leach from plastic products.You can choose to use alternative products such as glass, metal or bamboo instead of plastic products. It is also important to avoid microwaving plastic food containers and reusing plastic water bottles over and over again.Bard: What can we do to learn more about the link between plastic products and cancer?
Dr. Plact: You can find more information about the link between plastic products and cancer on the websites of organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Institute for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Bard: Thank you for your time, Dr. Plact.Dr. Plact: You're welcome.
