200 potential breast carcinogens found in plastic, paper and cardboard food packaging: Research

New Delhi, September 24 (IANS). A research has revealed that about 200 potential breast carcinogens are present in food packaging materials including plastic, paper and cardboard. Which broadly point to this risk.

The research published in 'Frontiers in Toxicology' speaks to the need for stronger preventive measures to reduce these chemicals in everyday products.

“This study is important because it shows the need to protect humans from exposure to chemicals that cause breast cancer,” said study co-author Jane Muncke, managing director of the Food Packaging Forum.

“The potential for cancer prevention by reducing hazardous chemicals in your daily life has not yet been explored and deserves more attention,” he said.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. This is seen more in women.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.3 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 2022 and 6,70,000 will die during this period.

For the study the team compared a recently published list of potential breast carcinogens. They found 189 potential breast carcinogens found in food contact materials, including 143 in plastic and 89 in paper or board.

Additionally, the team limited their study to the most recent studies available in 2020-2022.

They also found evidence of exposure to 76 suspected breast carcinogens from food contact materials purchased around the world, 61 of which (80 percent) are from plastics.

Importantly, the food contact material was procured over the years from markets in highly regulated regions, including the EU and the US.

“Our findings suggest that overall population exposure to suspected breast carcinogens from food contact materials is common and highlights an important opportunity for prevention,” the researchers said.

-IANS

MKS/GKT