Chemicals in plastics far more numerous than previous estimates, report says

Source: https://www.reuters.com/science/chemicals-plastics-far-more-numerous-than-previous-estimates-report-says-2024-03-14/

Author: Gloria Dickie

LONDON, March 14 (Reuters) - At least 3,000 more chemicals are in plastics — from food packaging to toys to medical devices — than previously estimated by environmental agencies, a report published on Thursday found, raising questions over pollution and consumer safety. While the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) had previously identified around 13,000 plastic chemicals, the report by a team of European scientists found more than 16,000 chemicals in plastics — a quarter of which are thought to be hazardous to human health and the environment.