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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Swallowed Small Bits Of Plastic From A Shopping Bag. Are These Toxic And Can They Cause Cancer?

Hi I m worried about having accidentally swallowed small bits of plastic from a shopping bag. Are they toxic and/or could cause cancer by being absorbed into my body? Alternatively, if they are not broken down and absorbed, could they get stuck to the walls of the intestines, etc. because they re so small and thin instead of being excreted? Thanks a lot.
Thu, 10 Jan 2013
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Critical Care Specialist 's  Response
Hi thanks for your question.
Plastic though toxic but small bits of plastic taken once will not harm you,if quantity is small.Relax,one time ingestion of plastic cannot and will not cause cancer.Small pieces of plastic will not stuck you intestine as gastric juice wich contains hydrochloric acid will melt the plast fully and portion that will not melt will get pushed by peristalsis foward and foward till it pass out with feaces.
Hope this answers your question
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Swallowed Small Bits Of Plastic From A Shopping Bag. Are These Toxic And Can They Cause Cancer?

Hi thanks for your question. Plastic though toxic but small bits of plastic taken once will not harm you,if quantity is small.Relax,one time ingestion of plastic cannot and will not cause cancer.Small pieces of plastic will not stuck you intestine as gastric juice wich contains hydrochloric acid will melt the plast fully and portion that will not melt will get pushed by peristalsis foward and foward till it pass out with feaces. Hope this answers your question