Mounting evidence suggests the chemicals in plastics, known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pose a significant risk to health, according to recent findings.
Emma Bryce reports for Scientific American.
In short:
- Research indicates that chemicals in plastics can interfere with the human endocrine system, leading to potential health risks.
- More than 1,000 chemicals used in plastic production are suspected to be harmful, yet few are regulated, making the full extent of exposure unknown.
- Efforts to regulate harmful chemicals in plastics are underway, but the scale of the problem demands more comprehensive action.
Key quote:
"You know what's in a packet of biscuits when you buy it, but you don't know what [chemicals are] in the wrapping."
— Sarah Dunlop, a neuroplasticity researcher at the University of Western Australia and director of Plastics & Human Health at the Minderoo Foundation
Why this matters:
EDCs can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Food packaging is a significant concern because EDCs can leach into food items and then be ingested.
Recycled products and plastic alternatives can be particularly worrisome wrapped around our food, given the lack of testing.
