Latest research is throwing fresh light on Critical health risks from plastic. A special section in the October 2008 issue of Environmental Research, 'A Plastic World' provides startling new information. Plastic has 'endocrine disrupting chemicals' that can block the production of the male sex hormone testosterone (The villain is phthalates used in PVC plastic), mimic the action of the sex hormone estrogen (Here the villain is bisphenol A or BPA used in polycarbonate plastic), and interfere with thyroid hormone (The villain brominated flame retardants or PBDEs used in many types of plastic). The chemicals are also contaminating the oceans and causing considerable harm to aquatic wildlife. It is now imperative that new products with less impact on environment and human health have to be developed. The dangers signals have been broadcast.

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