Human Exposure to Man Made Chemicals causes illness.
Human chemical engineering has allowed humans to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Since the industrial revolution it is estimated that over 350,000 ‘de novo chemicals’ have been registered globally. This is a 50 fold increase since 1950, and is projected to triple again by 2050.
This proliferation of ‘De novo chemicals’ raises concerns about the potential negative effects on planetary health. As ‘de novo chemicals’ have never before been seen in nature we cannot assume that organisms count with adapted cellular processes to metabolise and eliminate these chemicals. For this reason, many of these substances persist in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, leading to ecological and health challenges.
Human exposure to these synthetic chemicals is particularly concerning. Human’s live in modern ecosystems and are constantly in contact with ‘de novo chemicals’ from various sources—including food, air, water, and physical contact with plastics. Little is known about the cumulative effects on human health. Classifying them and quantifying them is a daunting task, but a necessary one. These chemicals, often referred to as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), encompass substances like microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA), and various additives used in plastic manufacturing.
Microplastics and Human Health
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have been detected in diverse environmental matrices, including air, water, and food. Their pervasive presence leads to human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Studies have found microplastics in human tissues, such as the placenta, testicles, and brain, raising concerns about potential health impacts like hormonal disruption, developmental anomalies, and cancer.
PFAS: The 'Forever Chemicals'
PFAS are synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and human body, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." Commonly found in products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging, PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and reproductive problems. Their widespread presence in soil, water, and even human tissues underscores the challenge of mitigating exposure.
Chemical Leaching from Food Packaging
Chemicals used in food packaging materials, such as plastic bottles and takeout containers, can leach into food and beverages, leading to human exposure. A study by the Food Packaging Forum Foundation identified over 3,600 food contact chemicals present in human samples, including known carcinogens and toxins linked to hormone and reproductive issues. This highlights the inadequacies of current regulations in mitigating chemical exposure from packaging materials.
Cumulative Exposure and Health Risks
The cumulative exposure to these synthetic chemicals is concerning due to their potential additive or synergistic effects on health. Chronic exposure, even at low doses, has been associated with various health issues, including hormonal imbalances, increased cancer risks, developmental problems, and immune system impairments. The complexity of these exposures makes it challenging to attribute specific health outcomes to individual chemicals, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies and stricter regulatory measures.
Health Effects
Embarrassingly little is known of the effects of Chronic Cumulative Non-Lethal Environmental Toxin Exposure. I believe it is responsible for many of the vague ill health concerns of modernity, fatigue, headaches, obesity, mood and anxiety symptoms and reduced fertility. I also believe chronic cumulative non-lethal environmental toxin exposure contributes to the rising numbers of chronic disease diagnosis which occur at younger and younger ages. This probably occurs through a variety of simultaneous mechanisms, which will be familiar to practitioners and patients versus in integrative or functional medicine. Mitochondrial dysfunction, hormone disruption, intestinal hyperpermeability, gut dysbiosis, disrupted proteostasis.
Mitigation Strategies
To reduce exposure to these synthetic chemicals, individuals can adopt several practices:
Dietary Choices: opt for fresh, unprocessed foods to minimize ingestion of chemicals from packaging.
Water Consumption: Use water filters capable of reducing contaminants like PFAS.
Product Selection: Choose personal care and household products free from known harmful chemicals.
Advocacy and Awareness: Support policies aimed at reducing the use of hazardous chemicals in consumer products and the environment.
But this is unlikely to make a dramatic difference, as the sheer number of chemicals and sources of these are virtually impossible to exclude completely. Due to the scale and complexity of this threat to the health of humans and the ecosystem it is difficult to imagine a solution without a concerted public health policy – from investment in research and advocacy to legislative and regulatory reform. The current regulatory approach is clearly not apt for purpose. Understanding the cumulative effects of synthetic chemical exposure is crucial for public health. Mechanisms to minimise exposure and support damaged cellular homeostatic processes seems the only logical grass roots way forward at this time.
I consider this to be a health crisis, and the virtual silence from health authorities a social and political emergency.
Cumulative Chemical Exposure and Health Outcomes
Carpenter, D. O., & Arcaro, K. F. (2017). Emerging and Re-Emerging Public Health Threats Due to Environmental Exposure to Chemicals. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(1), 1-3. d
Microplastics and Human Health
Prata, J. C., da Costa, J. P., Lopes, I., Duarte, A. C., & Rocha-Santos, T. (2020). Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects. Science of The Total Environment, 702, 134455. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134455.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) Health Risks
Grandjean, P., & Clapp, R. (2015). Perfluorinated alkyl substances: Emerging insights into health risks. New Solutions, 25(2), 147-163. doi:10.1177/1048291115590506.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Food Packaging
Muncke, J., et al. (2020). Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health: A consensus statement. Environmental Health, 19, 25. doi:10.1186/s12940-020-0572-5.
Combined Chemical Exposures and Risk Assessment
Kortenkamp, A., Backhaus, T., & Faust, M. (2009). State of the Art Report on Mixture Toxicity. European Commission.
Human Biomonitoring for Chemical Mixtures
Demarini, D. M. (2012). Declaring Our Environment in Sickness and in Health. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis, 53(8), 598-612. doi:10.1002/em.21743.
Health Effects of Pesticides and Industrial Chemicals
Landrigan, P. J., & Goldman, L. R. (2011). Children’s vulnerability to toxic chemicals: A challenge and opportunity to strengthen health and environmental policy. Health Affairs, 30(5), 842-850. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0151.
Copyright Dr Christopher Maclay 2024. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, it does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with your health care practitioner for personalised medical advice.