A recent medical report from the Endocrine Society and the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) discussed the ways plastics can affect a person's endocrine system.

The new report estimates there are more than 1,000 chemicals commonly used today in plastics like packaging, food production, cookware, children's toys, furniture, electrical devices, textiles, cosmetics and vehicles. These plastics can leech into the human body and cause harm.

In basic terms, the endocrine system consists of glands and organs throughout the human body. They work together to control and regulate several different bodily functions. Disrupting the body's endocrine system can lead to or cause obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer. Certain types of endocrine disruption chemicals (EDC) are believed to damage fetal development. 

Microplastics and small pieces of plastic can result from the erosion of larger pieces of plastic and can contaminate drinking and bottled water.