A recent study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology has revealed the presence of up to 9936 different chemicals in a single plastic food packaging. These chemicals could disrupt hormone secretion and metabolism.
Plastic, an ubiquitous material, is commonly used for food packaging. Martin Wagner, a professor in the university's Department of Biology, indicates that the study analyzed 36 different plastic products from five countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, and Norway. This research, published in the journal
Environmental Science & Technology, was co-authored by doctoral students Molly McPartland and Sarah Stevens.
The study shows that many plastic products contain chemicals that can interfere with hormones, the body's messengers that allow different organs to communicate with each other, as well as metabolism, essential for converting nutrients into energy.
Furthermore, the researchers examined the effects of combinations of plastic chemicals on G protein-coupled receptors, which play a crucial role in signal transmission within the body. They identified 11 chemical combinations affecting these receptors.
These findings not only suggest that plastic releases these toxic substances but also reinforce the theory that it is imperative to rethink plastic manufacturing to make it less harmful. Indeed, a previous study had already proven that most plastic products release chemicals when immersed in water, even affecting human fertility.
Given the complexity and diversity of chemicals present in plastics, this research is crucial for better understanding their effects on health and the environment.