Page 8 - TheAlaskaNurseOctNov2018

TOXIC CHEMICALS IN FOOD PACKAGING

May Harm Children

By PameLa miLLer, exeCuTive direCTor, aLaska CommuNiTy aCTioN oN ToxiCs

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued as hardeners in polycarbonate plastic food and
a landmark statement and technical report, warning that beverage containers. Health concerns include:
certain chemicals found in food packaging and foods neurodevelopmental harm, impairment of immune
may harm the health of children by interfering with their system, alterations in timing of puberty, decreased
hormones, growth and development. fertility, estrogenic and obesogenic.

The chemicals of greatest concern cited in • Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS)—
the report and based on the latest scientific chemicals used to “grease-proof” cardboard and
evidence include: paper food packaging, such as fast food wrappers,
microwave popcorn bags, pizza and other take-out
• Phthalates—chemicals used to soften plastics and
boxes. Health concerns include: immune system
make them more flexible, including in plastic food wrap
suppression, thyroid disruption, decreased birth
and in food manufacturing equipment such as tubing.
weight, and impairment of fertility.
Health concerns include: harm to the reproductive
development of boys, contributor to childhood obesity,
and linked with cardiovascular disease.
• Perchlorate—used in plastic food packaging to
reduce static. Health concerns include: disrupts
thyroid function, impairs brain development.
• Bisphenols (such as bisphenol-A)—chemical
additives used in the linings of food cans and

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