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Scientists discovered as many as 9,936 distinct chemicals within a single plastic item.
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These encompassed hormone disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
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A solitary plastic container holding sushi or takeaway curry might leach up to 10,000 endocrine-disrupting compounds into the meal, according to a recent study, which could have adverse effects.
Researchers from Norway examined various plastic food packages sourced globally and discovered that nearly all of them had components that disrupt the body’s hormonal or metabolic functions.
The chemicals included
bisphenol A (BPA)
And phthalates, which are recognized as hormone disrupters and have already been restricted in significant quantities from specific items such as baby bottles.
Exposure to these tiny contaminants has been linked to numerous health issues, including obesity.
diabetes
, reduced
fertility
, and certain cancers.
“We discovered up to 9,936 distinct chemicals within a single piece of plastic utilized for food packaging… this highlights the necessity to revamp plastics to ensure they are safer,” stated study co-author Martin Wagner, a biology professor at NTNU.
A recent report
According to Consumer Reports’ findings from testing 85 food and beverage items, 99% were discovered to contain plasticizers—chemicals added to plastics to enhance their flexibility and durability.
Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) conducted a recent study where they examined 36 distinct plastic food packaging items sourced from the US, UK, Germany, Norway, and South Korea. They employed a dual-stage method to identify the hidden chemical components within these plastics.
Firstly, every plastic container was sliced into smaller parts and then immersed in methanol to dissolve the plastic.
This enabled the researchers to obtain the substances as liquids.
The chemical blends were subsequently subjected to a range of laboratory experiments utilizing human cells to determine whether they could trigger or inhibit human receptors that play a role in managing our hormones and metabolic processes.
The tests covered receptors for crucial hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen plays a vital role in female reproduction, breast health, along with cognitive functions and bone density. Testosterone, meanwhile, manages bone mass, fat distribution, muscle size, and overall strength.
The researchers discovered that 33 out of the 36 plastic items tested disrupted the function of the pregnane X receptor, an essential component in removing harmful compounds from the body as well as regulating blood glucose levels and fat breakdown.
Approximately 23 of these products included substances that activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, believed to be the key regulator in the formation of fat cells.
Substances that obstructed testosterone receptors were identified in 14 items, whereas compounds imitating estrogen were detected in 18 of these products.
However, the scientists could not completely determine the nature of the interfering substances.
A solitary piece of plastic may contain numerous different chemicals, with many remaining unknown or inadequately researched.
Nevertheless, they discovered several shared chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
However, the research indicated that even BPA-free plastics contain other endocrine-disrupting compounds that haven’t been detected yet.
The research team advised that individuals transfer food from plastic containers to glass or stainless steel ones before heating it up.
They recommended that consumers opt for unpackaged fresh items to reduce their contact with chemicals.
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