Food Plastics = Estrogens in Your Body
Plastics that touch our food might affect our hormones negatively, which can impact health, especially in children and for future reproduction. Even if a product says "BPA-free," it might still contain other harmful chemicals like BPS, which act similarly to BPA. These chemicals, called endocrine disruptors, can change how hormones work in our bodies. They are linked to problems like lower sperm counts, heart issues in women, and potential birth defects, brain development problems, early puberty, some cancers, diabetes, and obesity in children. Heating plastics can release more of these chemicals into food. It is very hard to avoid these chemicals completely, but using glass containers instead of plastic, especially for heating food, can help reduce exposure.
Key Vocabulary
The process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth; the period during which an embryo or fetus develops in the uterus.
Examples:
- The gestation period for elephants is approximately 22 months, one of the longest in the animal kingdom.
- Proper nutrition is crucial during human gestation to support the healthy development of the baby.
- Researchers are studying how environmental factors can impact fetal development during gestation.
A Latin word meaning 'see,' often used in academic or legal contexts to refer the reader to another part of a text or document for further information or comparison.
Examples:
- For a more detailed explanation of the theory, vide Chapter 3.
- The legal precedent, vide Smith v. Jones, supports our claim.
- To understand the full scope of the project, vide the appendix for additional data.
The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction, marked by hormonal and physical changes.
Examples:
- Girls typically enter puberty earlier than boys.
- During puberty, significant changes occur in the body, including growth spurts and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Understanding the emotional and physical changes of puberty can help teenagers navigate this transitional period.
An abbreviation for Bisphenol A, a chemical compound primarily used in the production of certain plastics and epoxy resins, often found in food and beverage containers.
Examples:
- Many companies now offer water bottles that are certified BPA-free.
- Concerns have been raised about the potential health effects of BPA exposure from food packaging.
- The use of BPA in baby bottles has been restricted in several countries.
A French word meaning 'under' or 'below,' often used in culinary terms like 'sous vide,' referring to a cooking method where food is placed in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooked in a water bath at a precise temperature.
Examples:
- The chef prepared the salmon sous vide, resulting in a perfectly tender texture.
- Sous vide cooking allows for consistent results and precise temperature control.
- He invested in a new immersion circulator for his sous vide experiments.
A term referring to one's financial resources or purchasing power, often used to describe the collective economic influence of consumers.
Examples:
- Consumers can influence industry practices by using their pocketbooks to support ethical businesses.
- The rising cost of living is putting a strain on many families' pocketbooks.
- The company's new pricing strategy aims to appeal to a wider range of pocketbooks.
An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus and removing waste products.
Examples:
- The placenta plays a vital role in nutrient exchange between the mother and the fetus.
- After birth, the placenta is typically expelled from the uterus.
- Researchers are studying the placenta to understand its complex functions in pregnancy.
A group of steroid hormones that are primarily responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
Examples:
- Estrogens play a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
- Hormone replacement therapy often involves the administration of estrogens.
- Certain environmental chemicals are known to mimic the effects of natural estrogens in the body.
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Examples:
- Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.
- The company's logo is ubiquitous, appearing on billboards, television, and online.
- In this region, the sound of cicadas is ubiquitous during the summer months.
An unborn offspring of a mammal, in particular an unborn human baby more than eight weeks after conception.
Examples:
- Ultrasound technology allows doctors to monitor the development of the fetus.
- The health of the fetus can be influenced by the mother's diet and lifestyle.
- Medical advancements have significantly improved the survival rates of premature fetuses.
Relating to or denoting glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then act on distant target organs.
Examples:
- The endocrine system regulates various bodily functions, including metabolism and growth.
- Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system, affecting insulin production.
- Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body's hormonal balance.
A type of strong adhesive or plastic material formed from a polymer, often used as a coating or for bonding materials.
Examples:
- The floor was coated with an epoxy resin for durability and a smooth finish.
- Epoxy glue is commonly used for repairing broken ceramics.
- The boat's hull was strengthened with an epoxy overlay to prevent leaks.
A lightweight, durable thermoplastic widely used in packaging, construction, and various consumer products.
Examples:
- Plastic bags are often made from polyethylene.
- Polyethylene pipes are commonly used for water supply systems due to their flexibility and resistance to corrosion.
- Many food containers are molded from high-density polyethylene.
To gently encourage or persuade someone to do something.
Examples:
- The new policy aims to nudge consumers towards more sustainable choices.
- A small discount might be enough to nudge customers into making a purchase.
- Sometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge to get a project started.
A Latin word meaning 'womb' or 'uterus,' often used in medical contexts, as in 'in utero,' referring to something occurring or existing within the uterus.
Examples:
- Fetal development occurs in utero, where the baby is protected and nourished.
- Certain medical conditions can affect a baby's growth in utero.
- Researchers are studying the long-term effects of environmental exposures experienced in utero.
Any substance that can be used as food.
Examples:
- The import regulations for foodstuffs are very strict to ensure public safety.
- Many processed foodstuffs contain a high amount of sugar and sodium.
- The charity collects various foodstuffs to distribute to families in need.
Causing something to break down or deteriorate, often chemically or physically.
Examples:
- Acidic conditions can accelerate the degrading of certain plastics.
- Exposure to UV light can lead to the degrading of outdoor materials over time.
- The constant friction was slowly degrading the surface of the machine part.
A steroid hormone that stimulates development of male secondary sexual characteristics, produced mainly in the testes, but also in the ovaries and adrenal cortex.
Examples:
- Testosterone levels can influence muscle mass and bone density.
- In men, testosterone production typically peaks during adolescence and early adulthood.
- Some athletes have been found to illegally use synthetic testosterone to enhance performance.
An unborn or unhatched offspring in the process of development, especially a human offspring during the period from approximately the second to the eighth week after fertilization.
Examples:
- The first few weeks are critical for the development of the embryo.
- Researchers are studying how genetic factors influence embryo implantation.
- In vitro fertilization involves the creation of an embryo outside the body.
Occurring or done before the usual or proper time; too early.
Examples:
- The premature announcement of the product launch caused some confusion.
- A premature birth can lead to various health challenges for the infant.
- His premature departure from the meeting raised some questions among his colleagues.