The impact of plastic products on human health

To understand how plastic chemicals are affecting human health, The Washington Post interviewed more than two dozen scientists, former regulators and industry officials, and reviewed nearly 50 academic studies on the health effects of phthalates published in the last 20 years.

The investigation revealed strong evidence that the chemicals have harmful effects on babies in utero, even as they continue to be used in food, medical supplies and personal care products.

Scientists are most concerned about the link between exposure to the chemicals during pregnancy and infertility later in life — particularly in males.

“I believe in the precautionary principle, which means you act in the presence of concerning evidence,” said Linda Birnbaum, a toxicologist and the former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. “I don’t have to wait to see dead bodies in order to do something.”

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