— Exposures in Food & Water —

Over the last few decades, the number of chemicals added to foods and food packaging has skyrocketed. We spray pesticides in our feels, add preservatives and chemicals to keep foods fresh and appealing, and package our food in various types of plastics. Over time, researchers are finding that many of the chemicals we are using can have harmful health impacts, such as:

• Bisphenols, like BPA: BPA can increase body fat, and cause problems with the immune system and nervous system. They are found in the lining of food and soda cans, plastics with the number 3 or 7, and cash register receipts. They used to be found in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups; while this has been banned, older bottles and cups may still contain them.

• Phthalates: These can also act like hormones, interfering with male genital development, and can increase the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. They are in plastic packaging, among many other places.

• Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAs): They can lead to low-birthweight babies, as well as problems with the immune system, the thyroid, and fertility. They are commonly found in grease-proof paper, cardboard and takeout packaging, and items used for food preparation and storages, like nonstick pans and plastic containers.

• Perchlorate: This chemical interferes with thyroid function and can disrupt early brain development. It’s found in some dry food packaging — it’s used to decrease static electricity — and sometimes in drinking water.

• Artificial food colors: These have been found to increase symptoms in children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. They are found in all sorts of food products, but especially those marketed for children.

• Nitrates and nitrites: These can interfere with the thyroid, as well as with the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to the body. They can also increase the risk of certain cancers. They are used to preserve food and enhance its color. They are commonly found in processed foods, especially meats.

FDA must do more to regulate thousands of chemicals added to your food, petitioners say

CNN (September 26, 2020)

The food you eat and the beverages you drink likely contain one or more of some 10,000 chemicals allowed to be added to foods -- some of which are known endocrine (hormone) disruptors linked to developmental, cognitive and other health problems in babies and adults.

Eating Organic Lowers Pesticide Levels in Children

New York Times (October 8, 2015)

Of the six most frequently detected pesticides, two decreased by nearly 50 percent when children were on the organic diet, and levels of a common herbicide fell by 25 percent. Amounts of three other pesticides were not significantly lower on the organic diet.

What to know about the chemicals used to grow the plants you eat

Washington Post (November 16, 2020)

More than a billion pounds of pesticides are used in the United States every year, according to the most recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency. As a result, we’re consuming them daily along with the fruits, vegetables, grains and other plants we eat.

Health officials recommend groundwater standards for 22 substances, including some 'forever chemicals'

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (November 11, 2020)

The Department of Health Services announced this month the suggested standards, which include 12 PFAS substances and six types of pesticides.