Although the benefits of using biodegradable products are a subject constantly shrouded in controversy, there are several health benefits to switching to these products. Whether you’re concerned with your carbon footprint or want to use safe and healthy materials that won’t pollute the environment, switching to biodegradable options can be one way you can take care of your health.
Health Benefits of Switching to Biodegradable Products
1. Reduce Skin and Respiratory Illness
By using biodegradable products that decompose, there will be less pollution. According to the American Cancer Society, chemicals in commonly used non-biodegradable products such as plastics can enter our bodies and disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormone function in the body. Moreover, non-biodegradable bags may be around for years before being recycled, and the chemical treatment required for their removal might cause health problems, including respiratory illness and skin rash.
2. Reduce Water-Borne Illness
One of the biggest benefits of switching to biodegradable products is the reduction in water-borne illnesses. According to several studies, switching from disposable to biodegradable toothbrushes reduced the overall risk of tooth decay by 85 percent. The researchers have also found that children who switched to biodegradable toothbrushes for one year had almost no risk of cavities. So, switching over to a biodegradable toothbrush could help reduce your risk of contracting water-borne illnesses such as typhoid fever, amoebic dysentery, giardiasis, and cryptosporidiosis.
3. Reduce the Spread of Bacteria
Another reason to switch to biodegradable products is that the products reduce the spread of bacteria. Many of the products on the market are made with materials that harbor germs and bacteria. If a disposable product breaks down in a landfill, it will provide an environment where germs can grow and spread. A biodegradable product such as biodegradable garbage bags will break down, leaving no source for germs or bacteria to spread or grow.
4. Prevent Chronic Diseases
Using biodegradable products can also reduce your risk of contracting life-threatening diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, and malaria. According to the World Health Organization, switching to biodegradable products is a great way to reduce your risk of infection and protect others from infection.
5. Reduce Cancer
Using biodegradable products can help reduce the risk of cancer. A biodegradable toothbrush removes more bacteria and decreases your risk of oral cancer. This is especially important because brushing with a regular toothbrush can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Using biodegradable products also helps reduce your exposure to carcinogens from plastics and other synthetic materials used in disposable products.
6. Reduce Asthma And Allergies
According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a biodegradable toothbrush reduces your risk of contracting life-threatening asthma and allergies. The study showed that individuals who used biodegradable products for one year were less likely to suffer from asthma than those who used regular plastic. It’s been suggested that using biodegradable products can reduce your risk of asthma because these products break down before they irritate your respiratory system.
7. Prevent Diabetes
A lot of people are at risk for diabetes or at least pre-diabetes by using regular plastics. Regular plastics contain Bisphenol A or BPA. This chemical can get into your body and cause serious health problems, including diabetes and obesity. For people with diabetes, switching to biodegradable products can reduce their risk of getting type II diabetes by 80%. The high-quality paper is 100% natural and contains no artificial colors or ingredients that could contribute to an increased blood sugar level. This is good news for those with preexisting diabetes or those who are at risk of developing the disease.
Health Benefits to Children
Biodegradable diapers are a great way to help protect your baby’s health and the environment. There have been a number of studies showing that babies in cloth diapers can have fewer respiratory problems, are less likely to develop diaper rash, and are more likely to be potty trained earlier than those who wear disposable diapers. For environmentally-conscious parents, biodegradable diapers are an excellent option. They are also an affordable alternative for people on a tight budget.
There has been a huge shift in how we consume items like plastic, paper, and disposable food packaging. Switching to biodegradable products like recyclable bags or water bottles for every occasion will make you feel better about your carbon footprint. Biodegradable options are environmentally friendly and protect you from numerous diseases.