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The health risks from plastics almost nobody knows about

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By illuminem briefings

· 3 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that phthalates—a class of chemicals used in plastics and personal care products—pose significant and under-recognized health risks, particularly during pregnancy
Despite widespread exposure through food packaging, consumer goods, and even medical supplies, U.S. regulations remain minimal
Researchers have linked these chemicals to increased rates of premature birth, male infertility, and neurodevelopmental issues such as ADHD and lower IQ

🔭 The context: Phthalates, commonly referred to as “everywhere chemicals,” are used to make plastics more flexible and are found in items ranging from shower curtains to processed foods
They are endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormonal systems—especially dangerous during early fetal development
Studies dating back to the 1980s and expanded in the 2000s have connected prenatal phthalate exposure to shortened anogenital distance (AGD), reproductive malformations, and long-term fertility decline
• Federal oversight remains limited, with only a handful of phthalates banned in children’s toys and few restrictions on their use in food-contact materials

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The pervasive presence of phthalates raises serious public health and environmental justice concerns
These chemicals contribute to the global burden of non-communicable diseases, strain healthcare systems, and widen inequalities, as those with fewer resources are more exposed
Moreover, plastic production and disposal generate environmental pollution, compounding their ecological footprint
Addressing phthalates aligns with broader sustainability goals of reducing chemical exposure, enhancing public health, and fostering safer materials in the circular economy

⏭️ What's next: Despite long-standing calls for reform, the FDA has yet to revise its safety assessment of the nine phthalates still authorized for use in food-related applications
Advocacy for the precautionary principle is growing among scientists, pushing for tighter regulation even without definitive causal proof
Programs like NIH's ECHO are tracking long-term effects of chemical exposure in children, aiming to influence future health guidance and policy
Without intervention, exposure remains nearly universal—leaving individuals with limited means to mitigate risks independently

💬 One quote: “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are one of the biggest global health threats of our time. And 2 percent of us know about it — but 99 percent of us are affected by it.” – Leonardo Trasande, professor of pediatrics and population health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine

📈 One stat: An estimated 56,000 premature births annually in the U.S. may be linked to phthalate exposure, with wide-reaching health and economic impacts

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illuminem's editorial team, providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day. Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

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