One Day, Plastics May Save Your Life (NAPSA)—What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “plastic”? Chances are, you do not think of the many ways plastics mayliterally save yourlife or the lives of your loved ones. Yet every day, plastics are saving lives and preventing injuries— in this country and all over the ~ 4 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 a SS = For children and adults who enjoy bicycle riding, lightweight plastic helmets have greatly reduced the risk of head injuries. greatly reduced the risk of head injuries. Indeed, sports injuries of all kinds have been significantly reduced through the use of plastic equipment. cardiac catheters, heart valves 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 infection, protecting patients and Since the early 1900s, chemists andscientists have developed new uses for plastic materials that have revolutionized medicine and andeven artificial hearts. In our clinics and hospitals, antibacterial plastic medical products enhance safety and control 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 ofpolice officers have been saved throughthe useof plastic-reinforced bulletproof vests. And for children and adults who enjoy bicycle riding, lightweight plastic helmets have contamination. health care, made our cars, planes, homes, schools and work- places safer, and increased our access to knowledge, enabling us all to live longer, healthier lives. And yes, one day plastics may save yourlife. To learn more about the important role plastics play in yourlife, visit the American Chemistry Council at www.americanchem istry.com. wee eee eee eee eee eee eee WON eee eee eee eee eee Note to Editors: This is one in a series offive Science in Our Lives.
