Polyvinyl chloride:- is commonly used in the manufacturing of Food packaging, plastic wrap, containers for toiletries, cosmetics, crib bumpers, floor tiles, pacifiers, shower curtains, toys, water pipes, garden hoses, auto upholstery, inflatable swimming pools.

Many of these products are widely sold in Ghana, but do you know that these innocent looking items has an unseen health effect on our very lives and those of our un-born infants.

International studies carried out by reputable scientists has confirm that Polyvinyl chloride can cause cancer, birth defects, genetic changes, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, skin diseases, deafness, vision failure, indigestion, and liver dysfunction.

Have you ever asked yourself why it is the water from your Polytank & Sachet Water has that distinct taste to it? Well common sense should prevail my people, you’re being POISON

Here is a list of the other type of plastic commonly used in manufacturing and the proven adverse health effects on Human Beings.

Phthalates:- Softened vinyl products manufactured with phthalates include vinyl clothing, emulsion paint, footwear, printing inks, non-mouthing toys and children’s products, product packaging and food wrap, vinyl flooring, blood bags and tubing, IV containers and components, surgical gloves, breathing tubes, general purpose lab ware, inhalation masks, many other medical devices.

Adverse Health Effects: Endocrine disruption, linked to asthma, developmental and reproductive effects. Medical waste with PVC and pthalates is regularly incinerated causing public health effects from the relese of dioxins and mercury, including cancer, birth defects, hormonal changes, declining sperm counts, infertility, endometriosis, and immune system impairment.

Polycarbonate, with Bisphenol A:- Is normally used in the manufacturing of Water Bottles. Adverse Health Effects: Scientists have linked very low doses of bisphenol A exposure to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes, and hyperactivity, among other problems (Environment California). BPA mimics estrogen in the human system and thus can interfere with cellular signaling and hormone levels.

Polyurethane Foam: Cushions, mattresses, pillows Adverse Health Effects: Bronchitis, coughing, skin and eye problems. Can release toluene diisocyanate which can produce severe lung problems.

Acrylic: Clothing, blankets, carpets made from acrylic fibers, adhesives, contact lenses, dentures, floor waxes, food preparation equipment, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, paints. Adverse Health Effects: Can cause breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, headache and fatigue.

These are but a few of the type of plastics widely used in Ghana today. What happens when these plastics becomes un-usable? We do not have any industrial incinerators for medical waste in the country. No policies or guideline to follow. The dangerous plastic waste will probably be burned somewhere in and around Accra and you will be affected one way or the other because it all ends up in the water table.

If you can afford to get sick with any of the above symptoms listed then just ignore what you’ve read here, ignorance is bliss to a fool.

Author: Teacher Baffour