One Day, Plastics May Save Your Life

Yet every day, plastics are saving lives and preventing injuries--in this country and all over the world. At work. At home. In our schools. On the road. In every kind of sport. And on the battlefield.

In the emergency field hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan, the lives of thousands of American and allied soldiers have been saved thanks to emergency medical treatment using tough, flexible plastic equipment and tubing for critical blood transfusions and IV equipment.

Here at home, plastic is at the forefront of many of the breakthroughs in modern medical technology, from kidney dialysis to cardiac catheters, heart valves and even artificial hearts.

In our clinics and hospitals, antibacterial plastic medical products enhance safety and control infection, protecting patients and their families, as well as physicians and nurses. And on the road, plastic seat belts, air bags and child seats save over 10,000 lives each year.

Over the years, the lives of thousands of police officers have been saved through the use of plastic-reinforced bulletproof vests.

And for children and adults who enjoy bicycle riding, lightweight plastic helmets have greatly reduced the risk of head injuries. Indeed, sports injuries of all kinds have been significantly reduced through the use of plastic equipment.

Meanwhile, every day, thousands of miles of plastic pipes deliver clean drinking water to homes throughout the United States, and plastic packaging keeps our food fresh and free from contamination.

Since the early 1900s, chemists and scientists have developed new uses for plastic materials that have revolutionized medicine and health care, made our cars, planes, homes, schools and workplaces safer, and increased our access to knowledge, enabling us all to live longer, healthier lives. And yes, one day plastics may save your life.

To learn more about the important role plastics play in your life, visit the American Chemistry Council at www.americanchemistry.com. For children and adults who enjoy bicycle riding, lightweight plastic helmets have greatly reduced the risk of head injuries.

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