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Phthalates: Decades of Danger, Little Action
2 Dec
Summary
- Phthalates, known dangers for decades, still contaminate food.
- Regulators made piecemeal efforts, allowing widespread chemical use.
- Phthalate-related diseases cost $66.7 billion annually in the U.S.
Phthalates, chemicals widely used to soften plastics, have posed known health risks for decades. Scientists like Earl Gray documented severe reproductive harm in laboratory rats over 40 years ago, and similar effects were later observed in humans. Despite this knowledge, regulatory bodies like the EPA and FDA made only limited efforts to restrict their use, allowing these pervasive chemicals to contaminate food and the environment.
The consequences are substantial, with studies linking phthalates to infertility, premature birth, ADHD, and heart disease, costing the U.S. an estimated $66.7 billion annually. While phthalates have been phased out of some products like children's toys and food packaging, they remain present in food processing facilities and other consumer goods. Experts criticize the slow regulatory response, comparing it to delays in addressing risks from cigarettes and asbestos.
Regulatory inertia has been attributed to weak laws and fear of litigation, with agencies often requiring definitive proof of harm before acting. Although recent legislation, like the 2016 amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act, mandates more systematic chemical reviews, significant challenges remain. International bodies, such as the European Union, have adopted stricter regulations, underscoring the varying global approaches to managing phthalate exposure.
