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More than 3,600 chemicals found in food packaging have been found in our bodies, according to a new study. Faced with these worrying figures and the potential consequences for our health, experts are calling for stricter regulations.
Food packaging not only pollutes nature. It also impacts our health and our organs. According to a new study published yesterday in Natureour body is thus exposed to more than 3,600 chemical substances used in articles intended to store, treat, package and serve our food!
More than 3,000 chemicals found in blood or breast milk
This is not the first time that chemicals in contact with food (called Food Chemicals Codexor FCC) are suspected of migrating into our bodies. But according to the researchers, many of these FCCs have never been tested for toxicity. To fill this knowledge gap, the authors of the study wanted to identify all the chemicals used in packaging (14,000 in total) and then look at those that have already been found in our bodies, i.e. in blood, urine, hair, breast milk, or even the placenta.
In total, 25% of these 14,000 products, or 3,601, were present in humans.
- In particular bisphenol A, used in the coating of bottles, cans and tins;
- Phthalates, found in plastic bottles, baby food printing inks, melamine resins in plastic tableware.
- PFAS or eternal pollutants in Teflon pans.
A health impact to be explored further
This presence of migrating substances is worrying for researchers. “Our research links food contact chemicals, exposure and human health. It highlights chemicals that have been overlooked in biomonitoring studies to date. It also highlights an important opportunity for prevention and health protection.”explains Birgit Geueke, co-author of the study.
Indeed, while the harmful effects of some chemical substances are now known, others among these 3,000 substances have not yet been the subject of in-depth research and are currently not subject to any monitoring. Incredible when you know that endocrine disruptors can have effects on reproduction, the occurrence of cancer or even disturbances of the immune system!
At the same time, scientists are calling for research to be carried out to better identify the risks associated with these substances and are urging politicians and companies to reduce our exposure.
Slideshow: 10 unsuspected everyday pollutants