Do we think of the detrimental effects of chemicals? By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction
Oil and gas provide the raw materials for numerous chemicals and products daily. Getting an exact number of chemicals and materials in today’s commercial products takes time and effort. The European Union and the US cite numbers of around 400,000. These resources have realized many benefits. Less information and attention have focused on the detrimental effects of the widespread use of chemicals/materials.
The manufacture of chemicals has continued to rise, and a new study focused on the 14,000 chemicals used in food packaging. The study determined that more than 3000 chemicals from food packaging have been detected in humans. Some of these chemicals, PFAS and phthalates, have been heavily studied and are known to affect human health negatively, i.e., endocrine system disruption, cancer, or other diseases. The leaching of chemicals from packaging is more significant at higher temperatures, with foods higher in fat and acid, and when foods have a lot of contact with the packaging.
While chemicals and materials have their benefits, it’s crucial to minimize their use, especially for babies and children. Scientists advocate for more research and stringent regulations to reduce chemical exposure. This week, Senator Cory Booker introduced the Safe School Meals Act (SSMA), a significant legislative step to protect children from harmful toxins in school meals. This underscores the need for more research and regulations, keeping the public informed and aware.
Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University). She has been writing a weekly column called The Green Junction for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action forward. Her Research Interests are advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, Lake Michigan shoreline challenges (Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.