A test by Million Marker has unveiled widespread plastic contamination in humans, with bisphenols and phthalates present in most individuals.
Jeffrey Kluger reports for Time.
In short:
- Recent testing shows a significant presence of bisphenols and phthalates, chemicals linked to severe health risks, in the human body.
- Efforts to mitigate these risks include lifestyle changes and regulatory actions aimed at reducing exposure.
- Global discussions are underway to establish stricter regulations on plastic pollution to protect public health.
Key quote:
“These chemicals are everywhere. They’re in the atmosphere around us. Even in the lab, when you try to test for them, you have to control for background contamination. They really are the canaries in the chemical coal mine.”
— Dr. Christos Symeonides, principal researcher for plastics, Minderoo Foundation
Why this matters:
The ongoing international efforts to regulate plastic use reflect the gravity of this global issue, making it a pressing topic for both public health and environmental policy.
Go deeper: How willful blindness keeps BPA on shelves and contaminating our bodies
