JULY 2018 • FOGHORN 15 FOGHORNFOCUS: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES also affected. The Harvard Kennedy School Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy published an article, Plastics, Human Health and Environmental Impacts: The Road Ahead, detailing the following startling scien- tific facts compiled from a number of researcher journals and studies: • Detectable levels of bisephenol A (BPA) from plastics have been found in urine of 95% of adults in the United States. • A 2010 study in the Annual Review of Public Health found that BPA has en- docrine-disrupting properties. Tests indicate the possibility of health risks such as early sexual maturation, decreased male fertility and aggres- sive behavior. • di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), often used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, leaches out easily and has been found to have a number of negative impacts: “Several rodent and human studies have found correlations between DEHP exposure and harmful health effects, including changes to the female and male reproductive systems, increased waist circumfer- ence and insulin resistance.” • Environmental exposure to plas- tic-related chemical compounds does not occur in isolation but as a “cocktail effect,” with unknown cu- mulative impacts. • Globally, there are effectively no pop- ulations that haven’t been exposed to plastics. “Studies have demonstrated the presence of steady-state con- centration of plastics’ components in the human body, thereby reflect- ing the ongoing balance of constant exposure, metabolism and excretion of these compounds. This situation implies that in today’s plastics-en- abled society, there are no control groups to be found to analyze the effects on human health from low- level, environmental exposures to plastic constituents. Everybody is being exposed to some degree at any given time from gestation through death.” There’s more. A disturbing effect of plastic in waterways making its way into our bodies is from our food sources. Chicago Tribune’s Channick wrote, “a 2015 University of California at Davis study found plastic debris in a quarter of the fish sold for human consumption.” THE SOLUTION: PVA GREEN WATERS PROGRAM ANTI-PLASTIC CAMPAIGN As a group of ecologically responsible people operating in the marine environ- ment, it is in our own best interest to help reduce plastics in our waterways. With the help, guidance, and support of several members around the nation participating in the PVA Green WATERS Program, a voluntary campaign aimed at reducing the amount of plastic from the U.S. commercial passenger vessel fleet Navigating your risks, day and night. As the owner of a passenger vessel you face tough decisions every day, from hiring qualified crew to making sure your vessel is in prime condition. At Aon, we spend day and night thinking about your maritime risks so buying insurance doesn’t have to be another tough decision. We work with you to develop creative approaches and customized solutions that deliver more efficiencies, improved profitability and greater value. For more information, please call 1.800.730.7053 or visit passengervessel.com/member-resources.html#insurance Risk. Reinsurance. Human Resources. Navigating your Aon Risk Solutions Marine