All articles tagged with #plastic chemicals
A developer is creating Laboratory.love, a platform for crowdfunded independent testing of food products for plastic chemicals and endocrine disruptors, aiming to increase transparency and pressure on companies to improve supply chain safety. The project involves crowdfunding, lab testing with accredited labs, and open publication of results to empower consumers and promote cleaner products.
Consumer Reports has delivered a petition with over 30,000 signatures to General Mills, urging the company to eliminate plastic chemicals, specifically phthalates, from its food products. Tests revealed concerning levels of these chemicals in various General Mills brands, including Annie's, Yoplait, Cheerios, Green Giant, and Progresso. Phthalates, used to make plastics flexible, have been linked to serious health risks. General Mills asserts that their products meet regulatory standards and that they regularly review their ingredients and suppliers.
A major study has found that one in 10 premature births in the US may be linked to pregnant women's exposure to phthalates, chemicals commonly found in plastic products. These chemicals, known as hormone disruptors, can lead to early labor and birth. The study estimated that nearly 10% of premature births in the US in 2018 could be attributed to phthalate exposure, with associated medical and social costs ranging from $1.6 to $8.1 billion. The researchers called for global efforts to reduce plastic production and regulate phthalates as a group, while advising people to minimize exposure by avoiding plastic-wrapped food and phthalate-containing personal care products.
A study has found that one in 10 premature births in the United States may be linked to pregnant women's exposure to phthalates, chemicals commonly found in plastic products. These chemicals, known as hormone disruptors, can lead to early labor and birth. The study estimated that nearly 56,600 preterm births in the US in 2018 could have been linked to phthalate exposure, with resulting medical and social costs estimated to be between $1.6 and $8.1 billion. Researchers suggest reducing plastic production and avoiding phthalate exposure to mitigate these health risks.
A new study found that hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals cost the U.S. health care system over $249 billion in 2018 alone, contributing to chronic diseases and early deaths. These chemicals, found in everyday items, are linked to cancer, brain damage, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and reproductive issues. The study focused on four groups of chemicals used in plastic production, highlighting their impact on health care costs. Experts hope the study will prompt discussions about regulating these chemicals and holding plastic manufacturers accountable for the societal and individual health costs.
A new study found that the US health care system incurred over $249 billion in costs in 2018 due to the impact of hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals, including flame retardants, phthalates, bisphenols, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are linked to chronic diseases, developmental issues, reproductive problems, and premature deaths, with the most significant cost burden attributed to flame retardants. The study highlights the need for public awareness and regulation of these chemicals, as well as the potential societal discussion about the true cost of using plastics and the related health risks.