Synthetic chemicals in food system creating health burden of $2.2tn a year, report finds

"Scientists have issued an urgent warning that some of the synthetic chemicals that help underpin the current food system are driving increased rates of cancer, neurodevelopmental conditions and infertility, while degrading the foundations of global agriculture. The health burden from phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides and Pfas forever chemicals amounts to up to $2.2tn a year roughly as much as the profits of the world's 100 largest publicly listed companies, according to the report published on Wednesday."

"There are also potential consequences for human demographics, with the report concluding that if exposure to endocrine disruptors such as bisphenols and phthalates persists at current rates, there could be between 200 million and 700 million fewer births between 2025 and 2100. The authors said they had focused on the four chemical types examined because they are among the most prevalent and best studied worldwide, with robust evidence of harm to human and ecological health."

Phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides and PFAS are linked to increased rates of cancer, neurodevelopmental conditions and infertility and contribute to degradation of global agriculture. Estimated annual health damages reach up to $2.2 trillion, with a narrower accounting of ecological impacts adding about $640 billion for agricultural losses and water safety remediation. Many ecosystem damages remain unpriced. Continued exposure to endocrine disruptors at current rates could reduce births by 200–700 million between 2025 and 2100. The four chemical classes were prioritized because they are widespread and among the best studied, with robust evidence of harm to human and ecological health.

Read at www.theguardian.com