A new Netflix documentary, The Plastic Detox, follows six couples with unexplained infertility who take part in a three-month study led by epidemiologist Dr Shanna Swan. The programme aims to dramatically reduce their exposure to plastic-related chemicals in the hope of getting pregnant.
Plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols, which interfere with the body's hormone system. According to Dr Swan, these chemicals are ubiquitous: 'We ingest them, we absorb them through our skin, we inhale them.' Studies, including those by the US National Institutes of Health, have linked them to declining sperm counts worldwide over the past 50 years.
Participants like Darby and Jesse Nubbe from Idaho had spent $16,000 (£12,000) on treatments with no success. 'We were at a loss, with an official diagnosis of unexplained infertility,' Darby said. The detox required avoiding food and drink in plastic packaging, synthetic textiles, and fragranced personal care products. Eric Isaac from Miami described the process as 'like inviting a very sweet hurricane into your home'.
One notable piece of advice was to avoid handling paper receipts, which in the US contain bisphenol A (BPA). While BPA is banned in receipt paper in the UK and EU, other toxic chemicals like bisphenol S are still permitted. Dr Swan recommends using electronic receipts instead.
