Endocrine-disrupting and environmental effects of plastics

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Occupational health

Endocrine-disrupting and environmental effects of plastics

David McBride

Man in ocean
Chemicals from sunscreens and other personal hygiene products are introduced into marine environments when we go swimming or wash off in the shower [Image: Spencer Watson on Unsplash]

Occupational health expert David McBride discusses the worrying effects of plastics on humans and the environment

This Practice article has been endorsed by the RNZCGP and has been approved for up to 0.25 credits for continuing professional development purposes (1, Educate small, BACK panel - grey
References

1. Nakata H, Murata S, Filatreau J. Occurrence and concentrations of benzotriazole UV stabilizers in marine organisms and sediments from the Ariake Sea, Japan. Environ Sci Technol 2009;43(18):6920–26.

2. Kinnberg KL, Petersen GI, Albrektsen M, et al. Endocrine-disrupting effect of the ultraviolet filter benzophenone-3 in zebrafish, Danio rerio. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34(12):2833–40.

3. Minguez-Alarcon L, Chiu YH, Nassan FL, et al. Urinary concentrations of benzophenone-3 and reproductive outcomes among women undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technologies. Sci Total Environ 2019;678:390–98.

4. Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor. To what extent can we quantify Aotearoa’s plastic? New Zealand’s data challenge.