(NewsNation) — Just over 3,600 chemicals, including some known carcinogens, from food packaging, processing and storage have been found in humans, according to new research.
Published in the journal Nature, the peer-reviewed research highlighted the link between food packaging and preparation and human exposure to sometimes-harmful chemicals.
The chemicals (found in human blood, hair, breast milk and urine) include polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, bisphenol, metals, volatile organic compounds and phthalates. The study’s authors say they migrate from packaging into food, and from food to humans.
Some chemicals, including PFAs, are associated with higher risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular, as well as low birthweight, high cholesterol and pregnancy-induced hypertension, according to the CDC.
PFAs resist breaking down naturally and can build up in the body over time, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
“Many of these FCCs have hazard properties of concern, and still others have never been tested for toxicity,” the research notes.
The study cross-examined 14,000 chemicals approved for food contact with databases and biomonitoring programs, which researchers acknowledged as only a partial view of human chemical accumulation:
“Humans are known to be exposed to FCCs via foods, but the full extent of human exposure to all FCCs is unknown … [they] are exposed synthetic chemicals from food, drugs, household and personal care products, and environmental pollutants.”
It’s important to note that, due to the limited toxicological profiles of some chemicals present, there are still unknowns about their impact on the human body.
But the researchers hope their findings lead to more discussion about toxins spread through food packaging, adding: “this evidence base supports policy and decision-making and highlights the urgent need to ban the most hazardous chemicals shown to migrate from food packaging and other types of FCAs into foods, to protect human health.”
Nexstar’s Ashleigh Jackson and Ashley Bihun contributed to the report.