Substances Migrating from Plastic Products into the Human Body and Their Effects on Human Health

Abstract

This study examines the toxicological effects of substances migrating from commonly used plastic products into the human body, with particular emphasis on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. Based on a comprehensive review of international scientific literature published between 2002 and 2021, the research analyzes the sources of human exposure, metabolic pathways, and biological mechanisms through which these chemicals affect human health. The findings indicate that both BPA and phthalates can exert significant biological effects even at very low exposure levels, particularly during critical developmental periods such as pregnancy and early childhood. Evidence suggests that perinatal exposure to BPA may alter fetal epigenetic programming, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental abnormalities later in life. Phthalates, on the other hand, are strongly associated with anti-androgenic effects and reproductive dysfunction. The study highlights ongoing regulatory challenges related to low-dose exposure and non-monotonic dose–response relationships, emphasizing the need for stricter control measures, increased public awareness, and effective strategies to reduce human exposure to these chemicals.