The Hidden Danger of Plastics: What the Latest Research Reveals About Breast Cancer Risks

Plastics are everywhere—from the packaging that keeps our food fresh to the personal care products we use daily. Yet, beneath their convenience lies a worrying truth. New research has revealed that over 400 chemicals commonly found in plastics are linked to breast cancer. The findings, reported in the Guardian, underscore the urgent need for better regulation and a collective effort to reduce plastic use. 

The Link Between Plastic Chemicals and Breast Cancer 

The research identified 414 chemicals in plastics that are associated with breast cancer. These chemicals, including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), phthalates, parabens, and aromatic amines, are widely used in everyday items like single-use plastics, food packaging, and cosmetics. Their presence in our environment and daily lives makes exposure nearly unavoidable. Many of these chemicals are known to cause mammary tumors in animal studies, disrupt hormone synthesis and damage DNA, leading to genotoxic effects. 

Why Plastics Are So Toxic 

Plastics contain a range of different chemicals, added to change and improve the performance of the material. Some chemicals make plastics more flexible, some make them more resistant to heat and sunlight, and some are for colouring. It is estimated that by 2050, 2 billion tonnes of chemical additives will have been used in plastic. Despite this, a large number of the chemicals remain unregulated, and some lack public toxicological profiles. 

While many of the chemicals that are added to plastics are useful and safe, some are classified as ‘chemicals of concern’. These chemicals have concerning properties—for example, some do not easily break down and last for a long time in the environment, some are toxic, and some can build up to high levels in animals. Chemicals of concern are released into the environment over time from plastics. This can happen during manufacture, during use, or when the product becomes waste.   

The Regulatory Gap 

Despite the risks to health, plastics remain poorly regulated. But regulators face a significant challenge. Addressing toxic chemicals on an individual basis is impractical due to their sheer volume. However, examples like California’s Proposition 65, which targets toxic chemicals in consumer goods, show that regulation can make a difference. After phthalates, one of the chemicals of concern, were added to this law, Californians saw a significant reduction in these compounds in human blood levels. 

What Can I Do? 

While systemic change is essential to limit our contact with chemicals of concern, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure: 

• Avoid plastic in food packaging and kitchenware: opt for glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic materials. 
• Reduce single-use plastics: bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers wherever possible; avoid buying plastic-wrapped fruit and vegetables if possible.
• Choose plastic-free personal care products: avoid products with plastic microbeads; look for items packaged in eco-friendly materials.