New research has found that over 3,600 chemicals that come from our food packaging, processing, and storage have been found in humans, including some known carcinogens.
The peer-reviewed research was published in the journal Nature and highlighted the link between food packaging and preparation and the exposure humans face to sometimes-harmful chemicals.
The researchers found polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, bisphenol, metals, volatile organic compounds and phthalates. The chemicals were detected in human blood, hair, breastmilk, and urine.
The authors of the study say that the chemicals migrate from packaging into food and then from food to humans.
The CDC says that some of the chemicals have been associated with a higher risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular. They’ve also been linked to pregnancy-induced hypertension, low birthweight, and high cholesterol.
PFAs, or as they’re nicknamed, “forever chemicals,” are known to build up in the body over time, as they resist breaking down naturally.
“Many of these FCCs have hazard properties of concern, and still others have never been tested for toxicity,” the research notes.
The researchers cross-examined 14,000 chemicals that are approved to be in contact with food. The chemicals came from databases and biomonitoring programs. Researchers acknowledged that this data was only a partial view of human chemical accumulation.
“Humans are known to be exposed to FCCs via foods, but the full extent of human exposure to all FCCs is unknown … [they] are exposed synthetic chemicals from food, drugs, household and personal care products, and environmental pollutants,” the study said.
The study noted that due to limited toxicological profiles of some chemicals that were present, there is still much that remains unknown about how they impact the human body.
Researchers shared that they hope their findings lead to more discussion about toxins in food packaging and the risk that they pose to humans.
“This evidence base supports policy and decision-making and highlights the urgent need to ban the most hazardous chemicals shown to migrate from food packaging and other types of FCAs into foods, to protect human health,” the study warns.