'Chemicals in Plastic Bottles do Cause Cancer, Diabetes, Autism'

Plastic bottles contain hormone-
disrupting chemicals that can cause cancer,
diabetes, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
(ADHD) and autism, scientists claimed in a
report on Tuesday.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere
with the body's hormonal system, affecting
development and leaving the body open to a
staggering range of diseases.
But they are found in thousands of everyday
products, ranging from plastic and metal food
containers, to detergents, flame retardants, toys
and cosmetics.
These chemicals are responsible for scores of
illnesses - costing the United States (U.S.) an
eye-watering $340 billion in health-relat-ed
costs each year, a bombshell report by NYU
Langone said.
The study was published in
The Lancet Diabetes &
Endocrinology, a medical jour-
nal. The most common EDC-
related illness is neurological - including
attention-ADHD, autism and loss of IQ. The
invisible but dangerous chemicals also boosted
obesity, diabetes, some can-cers, male infertility
and a painful condition known as endometriosis,
the abnormal growth of tissue outside the
uterus.
So-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals are
found in thousands of everyday products, ranging
from plastic and metal food containers, to
detergents, flame retardants, toys and
cosmetics.
This term covers a number of chemicals. One is
called PBDEs, which are commonly found in
flame retardants. Bisphenol A in polycarbonate
plastic is used for hard reusable bottles and food
containers. Phthalates are used for disposable
water bottles.
The invisible chemical cause neurological and
behavioral disorders like autism and ADHD. They
also affect IQ. And they manipulate hormones in
a way that can cause cancer, diabetes, male
infertility, and endometriosis.
To put a figure on the impact of EDCs, the
researchers reviewed blood and urine samples
from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey. The survey has gathered
data since 2009 on major disease risk factors
from 5,000 volunteers.
Computer models were then used to project how
much each of 15 diseases or conditions was
attributable to chemical exposure, and the
estimated health costs for each one.