In an article published in Frontiers in Toxicology, researchers found that 76 potential mammary carcinogens have been detected to migrate from FCMs (food contact materials) sold in markets across the globe, under realistic conditions of use. This implies that chronic exposure of the entire population to potential mammary carcinogens from FCMs is the norm and highlights an important, but currently underappreciated opportunity for prevention. Reducing population-wide exposure to potential mammary carcinogens can be achieved by science-based policy amendments addressing the assessment and management of food contact chemicals.

Reporting from CNN, September 24, 2024, article by Sandee LaMotte:

“Nearly 200 chemicals connected to breast cancer are used in the making of food packaging and plastic tableware. “There is strong evidence that 76 known or potential breast carcinogens from food contact materials recently purchased all over the world can be found in people,” said study coauthor Jane Muncke, managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, a nonprofit foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland, that focuses on science communication and research.

“Getting rid of these known or suspected carcinogens in our food supply is a huge opportunity for cancer prevention,” Muncke said.

Rates of early-onset breast cancer in women under 50 are increasing, and experts said the trend cannot be explained by genetics alone.

“Rates of colon cancer are also rising in younger people,” said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, former deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society who was not involved in the study.

The study found such chemicals as benzene, a known carcinogen connected to breast cancers in animals and people; 4,4’-Methylenebis-(2-Chloroaniline), a probable carcinogen linked to bladder cancer; 2,4-Toluenediamine, found to cause breast and other cancers in animals; and 3,3′-Dimethylbenzidine and o-Toluidine, which are dyes used to color plastic and paper.

“Dyes can be used in plastics, paper, cardboard and the like and can have some pretty toxic properties,” Kay said. “Plastics are not the only culprit.”

In fact, while the study found most of the exposure to carcinogens came from plastics used in food packaging, 89 suspected carcinogens were found in paper and cardboard containers.

“Paper has additives such as emulsifiers and adhesives, say if papers are glued together, or there’s a plastic layer glued to the paper,” Muncke said.