10/31/2024
Nearly 200 chemicals linked to breast cancer are used in food packaging and plastic tableware, with dozens of these compounds being able to migrate into the human body, according to a recent study. The investigation, by Swiss researchers, found that 76 of these chemicals have been detected transferring into food.
Many of these chemicals are hormone disruptors and DNA-damaging agents, present in plastic, paper, and cardboard. Key carcinogens detected include benzene and various dyes, as well as substances like bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS. These chemicals, often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to multiple health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and childhood obesity. Despite the risks, these substances are still widely used in food packaging.
Exposure to these chemicals can occur not only through packaging but also through kitchenware, tableware, and electric kettles. Heat, long storage times, fat content, and acidity can increase chemical migration into food. The researchers advise avoiding polystyrene, plastic electric kettles, and highly processed foods, and recommend using inert containers like stainless steel or glass. They also call for better regulation and updated testing methods for food packaging materials to ensure safety, emphasizing that removing these carcinogens could reduce cancer risk.
