Food Packaging Chemicals May Contribute to 100,000 US Deaths Per Year, Study Finds

[babylonsister]

3 hours ago
Food Packaging Chemicals May Contribute to 100,000 US Deaths Per Year, Study Finds
The results put “substantial urgency,” researchers say, on stricter regulation of phthalates.
Amanda Holpuch
This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.


The group of chemicals called phthalates, also known as plasticizers, may contribute to the early deaths of 91,000 to 107,000 older adults in the US each year, according to a new study.

Adults between 55 and 64 with the highest concentrations of phthalates in their urine were more likely to die of any cause, especially heart disease, than adults with lesser exposure, according to the study published on Tuesday in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Pollution.

The study also estimated that this loss of life could cost the US between $40 billion and $47 billion each year. “Until now, we have understood that the chemicals connect to heart disease, and heart disease in turn is a leading cause of death, but we had not yet tied the chemicals themselves to death,” the study’s lead author, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, said in a release.

In the US, three types of phthalates have been restricted or banned in toys, but are less restricted in cosmetics and food packaging materials. Researchers said the study “focuses substantial urgency” in putting further limits on phthalates in food packaging materials and other consumer goods.

Phthalates, a group of chemicals most commonly used to make plastic harder to break, can interfere with the function of hormones, and researchers plan to examine what role the chemical plays in hormone regulation and inflammation in the body.

more...

https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2021/10/phthalates-chemicals-food-packaging-consmetics-role-deaths/

[Greybnk48]

1. This is disturbing news.

I wish they would id specifically which things to avoid. I was thinking yogurt cups, pudding cups, and maybe cereal bags, to name a few. But it may be chip bags too.

[lagomorph777]

2. That would be helpful indeed.

[Ellipsis]

3. Here's a list

https://naturaler.co.uk/list-products-containing-phthalates/

Food storage boxes (including Tupperware)
Plastic bottles
Baby formula and baby food
Pesticides
Cosmetics, personal care and perfumes
Insect repellent
Nail polish
Shampoo – See some phthalate-free shampoos here
Lotions
Nail polish
Skin cream
Body lotion
Fragrance
Deodorant
Hair products
Shampoo
Body wash
Shower gels
Hair gel
Hair mousse
Hairspray
Nappy cream
Baby soap
Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Facepaint
Glitter gel
Coated, time-release vitamins and medication
Medical devices such as IV bags, drips and plastic tubing
Shower curtains
Vinyl flooring
Carpets
Vinyl wallpaper
Window blinds
Nappy changing mats
Raincoats
Wellies
Inflatable mattresses (air beds)
School supplies
Car interiors
Air fresheners and plugins
Electronics
Computers, laptops, tablets and phones
Plastic jewellery
Toys
Craft materials
Coating on wires and cables
Plastic sex toys
Tap water
Meat products
Dairy products (especially cheese)

[Walleye]

4. I was wondering if this is contributing to the rate of breast cancer