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Troubling report finds almost 200 breast cancer-causing chemicals in everyday food packaging
A concerning new study has found almost 200 breast carcinogens in food packaging, processing equipment, and cookware.
With new studies and information constantly coming out, it’s only natural that the information we previously thought of as fact is disproven. The risk of non-stick frying pans is but one example of something we thought was safe being shown as potentially harmful to our health.
Researchers looked into 921 known carcinogens
Though the FDA and other regulatory bodies work tirelessly to keep harmful substances from public consumption, it doesn’t always work out. Recent recalls include spinach, and drinks and beverages ranging from Figi Water to Schweppes.
Though regulators do their best, researchers in Switzerland recently identified 189 breast carcinogens that were found in food packaging that is known to leak chemicals.
They reached this troubling conclusion by comparing 921 chemicals identified as potential breast carcinogens with databases of substances known to spring from packaging. Ultimately, there were 189.
By looking at studies from 2020 and 2022, the scientists also realized that 76 of the harmful chemicals were actively moving from containers, suggesting we consume them every single day.
You might think that plastic containers were the worst offenders, and you’d be correct with 76% of the chemicals present, but other materials like paper, cardboard, metal, and multi-material packaging were also shown to be damaging.
It’s worth noting that while all of the chemicals are designated as carcinogens, the term is a bit of a blanket statement. Though some have studies backing their risk, like benzene and styrene, others are labeled as carcinogens simply because they can damage DNA or disrupt the hormone system.
It’s a worldwide problem
What’s particularly concerning is that said harmful chemicals were found in packaging from across the globe, including the United States, Canada, India, China, and several European countries.
This study is important because it shows that there is a huge opportunity for prevention of human exposure to breast cancer-causing chemicals, said Jane Muncke, Managing Director of the Food Packaging Forum and co-author of the study. The potential for cancer prevention by reducing hazardous chemicals in your daily life is underexplored and deserves much more attention.
Though no one is doubting the work that regulatory bodies do to protect us, it’s clear further work is needed to better understand the effect these chemicals are having.
The authors concluded: “Our findings imply that chronic exposure of the entire population to suspected mammary carcinogens from FCMs is the norm and highlights an important, but currently underappreciated, opportunity for prevention.”
You can read the full study in Frontiers in Toxicology.
