Plastics Disrupt the Body's Rhythm Like Coffee
Increase the Risk of Sleep Disorders, Diabetes, and Immune Disruption
A study has found that plastics, which are frequently used in daily life, can disrupt the body's rhythm in a manner similar to coffee, causing sleep disorders.
On May 11 (local time), the British daily The Guardian reported that a research team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, citing a recent paper published in the journal Environment International, found that plastics increase the risk of sleep disorders, diabetes, and immune disruption.
The researchers conducted laboratory experiments on human cells using chemicals extracted from medical feeding tubes made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and hydration pouches made of polyurethane (PU). PVC is a common thermoplastic used as a raw material in many everyday products, including pipes, floor coverings, construction materials, rubber basins, electrical wire insulation, summer boots, toys, and synthetic leather for clothing. PU, a thermosetting resin, is used in fabrics such as spandex for swimsuits and underwear.
The experiments showed that plastic chemicals cause side effects on adenosine receptors, which play a crucial role in signaling that regulates the body's biological rhythm. Adenosine receptors transmit the message "The sun is rising. Let's start the day." The researchers pointed out that plastic chemicals activate adenosine receptors, blocking the transmission of this message and thereby delaying the natural flow of the body's biological rhythm. Caffeine in coffee binds to adenosine receptors, preventing natural adenosine from functioning and keeping the body in an awakened state. The researchers explained that plastics act in a similar way.
Martin Wagner, one of the researchers, stated, "The chemicals in plastics can disrupt cellular signaling that regulates the body's internal clock by up to 17 minutes." He pointed out, "This interferes with the body's natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle, increasing the risk of sleep disorders, diabetes, and immune disruption." He added, "Although the chemicals are not as strong as caffeine, their effects on cells occur faster than those of hormones," and said, "This study is one piece of evidence that plastics contain compounds that cause a variety of toxic effects." Meanwhile, the research team announced that they plan to continue follow-up studies and will urge legislators and industry to establish regulations on these chemicals.
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