Plastic Containers Are Hazardous to Health

(Dubai) This is likely news to many people. The government in Dubai is considering a ban on plastic water bottles and plastic food wrappers because they are hazardous to health. Reportedly, plastic causes cancer.

As K. Sukumaran, a doctor at Al Rafa Hospital said, "Plastic can be very dangerous for humans. Plastic consists of two chemical compounds, namely, phalates and bisphenol. Phalates are meant to give flexibility to plastic. This is carcinogenic by nature. It can also cause birth defects and infertility in the case of women. Bisphenol can cause enlargement of prostrate in males. There are other serious problems, too, like a decrease in sperm count and cancer," he said. "Plastic, when in contact with fat and heat releases dioxins which again are highly toxic to human cells. Many people pack food items in plastic packets. This carries the risk of cancer," he added.

"Plastic is toxic. We are particularly concerned about the labourers who pack food items in plastic bags. If kept for long, the food tends to get stale. The use of plastic needs to be stopped immediately," said Zohur Al Alam, paediatrician at Al Majid Clinic in Deira.

So, even though the use of plastic in water bottles and food wrappers has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, doctors in Dubai say it should be banned because of the risk of cancer.

Their argument, however, is weak. I'd like to think that research was conducted where lab rats were forced to drink Evian or had to eat bologna sandwiches from Zip-Lock bags and they subsequently developed cancer. If research was conducted, it hasn't been reported (or I haven't found it).

I'm a little suspicious. There must be a global warming or save the planet angle to the assertion that plastic should be banned. Either that or some people want to beef up the market for glassware.