Plastic, the protagonist of our daily lives for years, has long proven to be a silent enemy for human health. From harm to reproductive health to diseases such as stroke and cancer, its dangers are increasingly emerging.
In response, a vast front of Italian doctors gave birth to the “National Campaign for the Prevention of Plastic Harm to Health“, an initiative promoted by the Italian Association of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE) and the Italian Network of Sentinel Doctors (RIMSA), supported by over 40 medical specializations and numerous scientific associations.
A collective commitment aims to raise awareness among the population of the damage that plastic and its components can cause to health, with a particular focus on the dangerous effects of microplastics and the chemical substances contained in this material.
The health risks of plastic
The scientific evidence is alarming and we now talk about it practically every day. According to recent studies, including those published by the medical-scientific journal The Lancetexposure to plastic is linked to a number of serious health problems. The chemicals contained in microplastics can interfere with the endocrine system, altering both male and female fertility, compromising neurodevelopment and increasing the risk of tumors.
Furthermore, plastic is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and alteration of the intestinal microflora. Not only that, microplastics can penetrate the human body through food, water, air, but also through direct contact with plastic objects, such as synthetic fabrics, cosmetics and toys.
The risks are particularly high for children and pregnant women, due to exposure during the most vulnerable stages of life, with devastating effects on development. Scientific evidence suggests that exposure to plastic materials in the first thousand days of life (from pregnancy to early childhood) can seriously compromise the future health of these individuals.
Missed spending
One of the main initiatives of the campaign is the “Spesa Sballata® – Dimensione Italia” project, which aims to promote the use of reusable containers rather than disposable ones, as required by European regulations and the Climate Decree. The initiative aims to reduce plastic consumption in supermarkets and raise awareness among citizens to make more informed purchasing choices. The project is supported by hygienic-sanitary guidelines for purchasing in reusable containers, in line with the new EU Regulation 2024/1234, which from 2027 will oblige commercial establishments to accept containers brought by customers.
At the same time, the campaign launched other initiatives involving schools and sports, raising young people’s awareness of the damage caused by plastic bottles and ultra-processed snacks sold in vending machines. Furthermore, awareness is being raised regarding the use of plastic in the healthcare sector, particularly in hospitals and medical practices, where the use of disposable plastic materials is still widespread.
Another crucial aspect of the campaign concerns the safety of recycled and biodegradable plastics. Although seemingly more eco-friendly, many recycled plastics are susceptible to releasing dangerous chemicals, while some biodegradable plastics, such as compostable ones, may not degrade quickly in the environment and turn into microplastics. The campaign invites careful reflection on these materials, suggesting the adoption of truly safe and sustainable alternatives.
Plastic isn’t just an environmental pollution issue, it’s a human health issue, doctors say.
This is why it is essential to start thinking differently, making choices that can protect our well-being and that of future generations.
