Creating a recipe for plastics involves an extensive array of ingredients sourced from fossil fuels, including ethylene, propylene, and over 16,000 additional chemicals such as colorants, flame retardants, stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, and more. The exact functions, structures, and toxicity of these chemicals are often poorly understood but pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Studies show that at least 3,200 plastic chemicals can be harmful, and most of these compounds can leach into food and beverages, leading to over $900 billion in annual health expenses in the U.S. Only 6 percent of these chemicals are regulated internationally, despite potentially making up to 70 percent of a product’s weight.
Recent research highlights the dangers of “endocrine-disrupting chemicals” (EDCs) found in plastics, which can mimic hormones and interfere with metabolic and reproductive systems. EDCs have been linked to health issues such as preterm births. With a lack of regulation and oversight, the production, distribution, and disposal of plastics and other petrochemical-based products continue to expose humans to EDCs through air, food, water, and soil pollution.
Efforts to address EDC exposure have been minimal, with calls for a global approach to regulation. The forthcoming U.N. global plastics treaty negotiations, set to take place in Ottawa, Canada, have sparked interest in creating regulations that prioritize public health amid the growing crisis. It is crucial to address this issue on an international scale due to the widespread impact of EDC exposure.
EDCs disrupt the endocrine system, impacting essential functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and more. Common EDCs found in plastics include phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and PFAS. Exposure to EDCs can occur through various means, including contact with plastic products, ingestion of contaminated food or water, and inhalation of microplastics.
Overall, reducing exposure to EDCs presents a significant challenge due to lax chemical regulation policies in many countries. The reluctance to test new compounds for endocrine-disrupting properties before production results in a lack of oversight and potential health risks for consumers. Bureaucratic delays, industry lobbying, and the phenomenon of “regrettable substitution” further complicate efforts to regulate harmful chemicals like EDCs. Addressing these issues will require a concerted global effort to protect public health and the environment from the dangers of EDC exposure.
