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A recent study has revealed that more than 3,600 chemicals used in <keyword id="21367852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-packaging" source="keywords">food packaging</keyword> and preparation have been detected in human bodies, raising concerns about their potential impact on health. These chemicals, some of which are hazardous, are finding their way into the food we consume, sparking calls for more research and stricter regulations.<br /><h2>Chemicals we don’t know enough about</h2>Of the thousands of chemicals identified, around 100 are classified as being of “high concern” for <keyword id="20060201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-health" source="keywords">human health</keyword>. According to Birgit Geueke, the lead author of the study from the <keyword id="23220554" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Food-Packaging-Forum-Foundation" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Food Packaging Forum Foundation" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Food Packaging Forum Foundation">Food Packaging Forum Foundation</keyword>, some of these chemicals are well-known, while the health effects of others remain largely unexplored.<br /><br />Chemicals such as <keyword id="20307473" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PFAS" source="keywords">PFAS</keyword> (often referred to as "forever chemicals") and bisphenol A (<keyword id="20186545" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BPA" source="keywords">BPA</keyword>) are familiar names in the scientific community. Both have been extensively studied and are linked to a range of health problems. PFAS, for example, have been detected in multiple parts of the human body and are associated with various diseases, including cancer, liver damage, and thyroid dysfunction. Bisphenol A, commonly found in plastics, is a hormone-disrupting chemical that has been banned from baby bottles in many countries due to its harmful effects on reproductive health.<br /><br />However, many of the other chemicals detected—like oligomers, byproducts of plastic production—are still a mystery in terms of their health implications. "There is almost no evidence on the health effects of these chemicals," Geueke said, highlighting the need for further research.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111250040" title="Karnataka Health Department bans use of artificial food colouring in kebabs; imposes hefty fine of 10 lakhs!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h2>How do these chemicals enter our bodies?<br /></h2>Food contact chemicals (FCCs) are substances that can "migrate" from packaging materials—such as plastic, paper, glass, or metal—into the food we eat. These chemicals can also enter the food chain from other parts of the food-making process, such as conveyor belts and kitchen utensils.<br /><br />The study originally catalogued about 14,000 FCCs, but researchers were astonished to find 3,601 of them present in human biomonitoring databases, which track chemicals found in human tissues and fluids. This unexpected result underscores how pervasive these substances are.<br /><h2>High concern: PFAS, BPA and Phthalates<br /></h2>Among the most troubling chemicals are the PFAS, which have gained notoriety as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. These chemicals have been linked to a host of health issues, including immune system suppression, developmental problems, and various cancers.<br /><br />Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known endocrine disruptor used in the production of plastics, is another substance of concern. BPA can interfere with the body’s hormone systems, particularly oestrogen, and has been associated with fertility problems, breast cancer, and developmental disorders in children.<br /><br />Phthalates, another group of hormone-disrupting chemicals, are used to make plastics more flexible. They have been linked to infertility and developmental issues, making their presence in food packaging particularly concerning.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112623051" title="474 Indian spice samples fail FSSAI&amp;#39;s safety tests as countries suspend sale of Indian spice brands" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h2>What can we do?<br /></h2>While this study doesn’t determine how much of these chemicals we’re exposed to or their specific sources, it does highlight the need for more comprehensive research and better data on their potential <keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">health risks</keyword>.<br /><br />Duane Mellor, a specialist in evidence-based medicine at Aston University in the UK, praised the study for being thorough but cautioned against panic. Instead, he encouraged consumers to advocate for stronger regulations on <keyword id="21364182" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="chemicals-in-food" source="keywords">chemicals in food</keyword> packaging. "Rather than being unduly alarmed, people should demand better data and minimise unnecessary exposure," Mellor said.<br /><br />To reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals, Geueke recommended simple measures like reducing the time food spends in contact with packaging and avoiding heating food in the containers it comes in. Many of these chemicals migrate more easily into food when heated, making microwaving plastic containers or takeout packaging a common source of contamination.<br /><h2>The regulatory response<br /></h2>Some chemicals are already facing bans. The European Union is in the final stages of banning the use of PFAS in food packaging, and a similar ban on bisphenol A is expected to come into effect by the end of this year.<br /><br />As more research emerges, governments around the world may follow the EU's lead in implementing stricter controls on these hazardous chemicals, protecting consumers from hidden dangers in their everyday meals.<br /><br />For now, the best way to protect yourself is to stay informed, reduce unnecessary exposure, and support efforts for stricter regulations on food packaging materials.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="109322441" title="2 foods Michael Pollan always buys organic to reduce his exposure to harmful chemicals" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />

New research reveals more than 3,600 food packaging chemicals in human bodies. Is it time we stopped eating food out of takeout containers?

<keyword id="19901584" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Saif-Ali-Khan" source="keywords">Saif Ali Khan</keyword>, Jr. NTR and <keyword id="19911182" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Janhvi-Kapoor" source="keywords">Janhvi Kapoor</keyword> recently appeared on The<em> Great Indian Kapil Show</em> to promote their upcoming film <em>Devara</em>. Bits of the episode have been making rounds online and a certain clip caught our attention.<br /><br />In one of the clips from the show, Saif is seen explaining to the audience that he has stopped consuming <em>parathas </em>ever since his blood tests revealed that he was allergic to milk and bread.<br />   <div type="Youtube" id="YgOa2Zpig1Q" title="Triple the Laughter: Jr. NTR, Saif, Janhvi | The Great Indian Kapil Show | Bacha Hua Content" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YgOa2Zpig1Q/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgOa2Zpig1Q]]></url></div>His co-star Janhvi responded saying, “<em>Yeh sab faaltu ke allergy test hote hain. Hum sab itne sadiyon se doodh, maida-vaida sab khaate aa rahe hain</em>” (all these allergy tests are nonsense. We have been drinking milk and consuming flour for ages).<br /><br />While this may have been the young actor’s mostly harmless attempt at sounding relatable, gluten and <keyword id="20158013" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lactose-intolerance" source="keywords">lactose intolerance</keyword> is a real health concern for millions of Indians. And taking these tests is among the most recommended ways to understand and alter our diets.<br /><h2>Gluten allergy is not new in India, gluten is!</h2>A gluten allergy, often referred to as <keyword id="22227619" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gluten-intolerance" source="keywords">gluten intolerance</keyword> or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), is a condition where the immune system reacts negatively to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Unlike celiac disease, gluten sensitivity does not cause damage to the small intestine, but it can trigger uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue and headaches after consuming gluten-containing foods — such as bread.<br /><br />When asked if more and more Indians were reporting gluten allergies, nutritionist Dr Meghana Pasi explained that it wasn’t entirely true.<br /><br />“An increase in the Indians’ wheat consumption was a result of colonisation”, she said. Most Indians primarily consumed millet before the British’s influence and wheat became a staple in our diets roughly between 50-100 years ago. And it has taken a few decades to associate the discomfort many feel after consuming wheat with a gluten allergy.<br /><br />So, claiming that gluten consumption is perfectly okay since people in the past did it too, is infact entirely inaccurate.<br /><h2>A significant proportion of Indians are lactose intolerant</h2>After Janhvi implies that these allergies are a hoax, Saif attempts to correct her saying, “<em>Hum jab bade ho jate hai to sab cheezein nahi khani chahiye, bacho ko khani chhaiye </em>( We should refrain from eating certain things when we get older; kids should eat all of this).” <br /><br />In response Janhvi says, "<em>Main toh doodh peeti hun </em>(I still drink milk).” Anecdotal fallacy again. <em>Sigh</em>.<br /><br />Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. This happens when the small intestine doesn't produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose into simpler sugars for absorption.<br /><br />As a result, lactose passes undigested into the colon, where bacteria ferment it, causing symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, gas and stomach cramps. The severity of symptoms varies, depending on how much lactose a person can tolerate. This author, for instance, needs just one pizza slice to develop a terrible gastric headache that leads to violent episodes of puking.<br /><br />Regarding her claim that we have been consuming milk for ages, India has seen a notable rise in lactose intolerance as dietary patterns evolve. Studies suggest that one-third of Indians may have some degree of lactose intolerance due to genetic factors.<br /><br />Historically, the diet in many parts of India included fermented or low-lactose dairy products like yogurt and paneer, which are easier to digest. However, the growing consumption of milk-based products and <keyword id="20490015" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="processed-foods" source="keywords">processed foods</keyword> may be contributing to more visible cases of lactose intolerance.<br /><br />Furthermore, even without the intolerance debate, science has shown that humans’ capacity to absorb milk decreases as we grow old. By the time we’re in our mid-thirties, these problems can manifest as gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastro-esophagal reflux disease (GERD).<br /><br />So, while Janhvi Kapoor's casual dismissal of gluten and lactose allergies may have been made in jest, it brought forth a good opportunity to discuss a larger issue of misinformation about <keyword id="23476473" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dietary-sensitivities" source="keywords">dietary sensitivities</keyword>. As allergies and intolerances become more widely understood and recognised, particularly in the Indian context, it’s important to acknowledge that the foods we’ve consumed for generations may no longer suit everyone. <br /><br />Of late, many celebrities like Janhvi, who boast millions of followers, have been caught spreading health-related misinformation intentionally or unintentionally. Despite their access to the best nutritionists and doctors, such misguided statements show blatant disregard for public health.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111515126" title="Samantha Ruth Prabhu faces heavy backlash after recommending hydrogen peroxide inhalation to cure viral fever" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Instead, as a society, we should aim to foster a more nuanced understanding of how individual bodies react to different foods over time and the role modern science plays in identifying these sensitivities. In an era of growing health awareness, informed conversations around food intolerances can lead to better lifestyle choices for many.<br />

Janhvi Kapoor thinks allergy tests for gluten and milk are ‘faaltu’. Here's why she might be misinformed.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fast-food chains are pulling onions from their restaurants due to E. coli risks.</li><li>Taco Bell, KFC, and Johnny Rockets joined McDonald's in withdrawing the ingredient from some locations.</li></ul><p>A string of American fast-food chains and restaurants are pulling fresh onions from some of their locations because of<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-quarter-pounder-e-coli-outbreak-symptoms-states-2024-10"> E. Coli food poisoning risks.</a></p><p>Yum Brands, the parent of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, said it was pulling the ingredient from some restaurants out of caution, the company <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-24/taco-bell-pizza-hut-and-kfc-pull-onions-after-e-coli-outbreak">told Bloomberg</a> on Thursday. Yum did not specify the number or location of restaurants or specific suppliers.</p><p>On Thursday, Burger King said that it gets some of its onions from Taylor Farms, a supplier to the McDonald's restaurants that have been linked to the E. Coli outbreak.</p><p>Burger King said that it has not had any cases of illnesses or contact from authorities about whether it was impacted. But it directed outlets who received the onions — 5% of its about 7,000 outlets — to dispose of the vegetable immediately.</p><p>Fat Brands, which owns Johnny Rockets and other restaurants, also said it stopped using Taylor Farm onions on Thursday.</p><p>Burger King, Yum Brands, and Fat Brands did not respond to a request for comment sent outside business hours.</p><p>The series of withdrawals comes after <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-quarter-pounder-ecoli-outbreak-why-important-sales-2024-10">49 cases of E. coli infections</a> and one death in a food poisoning outbreak spanning 10 US states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday that anyone who has developed severe E. coli symptoms after eating a McDonald's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-quarter-pounder-e-coli-outbreak-symptoms-states-2024-10"><u>Quarter Pounder should call</u></a> their healthcare provider.</p><p>Public health officials are investigating which ingredient could be causing the outbreak. Early information from the FDA suggests the slivered onions or beef patties used for Quarter Pounders are the likely source of contamination.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-expensive-prices-too-high-fast-food-restaurant-falling-sales-2024-7"><u>McDonald's</u></a> has temporarily pulled the Quarter Pounder from its menus in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as portions of surrounding states.</p><p>Other restaurants have <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-mcdonalds-can-recover-from-food-safety-crisis-e-coli-2024-10">weathered similar food-safety issues</a> in recent years.</p><p>Outbreaks at fast-casual Mexican chain Chipotle cost the company $25 million to settle criminal charges related to outbreaks that affected 1,100 people from 2015 to 2018. The company announced a slate of new food-safety protocols in 2016 and its stock eventually recovered. </p><p>In 2022, Wendy's restaurants were linked to an E. coli outbreak in six states. </p><p>Both outbreaks involved hundreds of cases, far more than the number of people currently known to be impacted in the current McDonald's-related outbreak.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/mcd-stock?_gl=1*1f1j3x0*_ga*MTA0NDI4Mzk2My4xNzA4NDI2MTU3*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTcyOTY3NDY4Ny4yMTYuMC4xNzI5Njc0Njg3LjAuMC4w"><u>McDonald's stock price</u></a> has dropped over 4% this week as news of the outbreak spreads and investors worry the cases will affect sales of the Quarter Pounder.</p>

The list of fast-food places pulling onions over E. coli concerns just keeps growing

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Dr. <keyword id="22853757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Michael-Roizen" source="keywords">Michael Roizen</keyword> is an expert in <keyword id="20186177" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="longevity" source="keywords">longevity</keyword> and uses scientific research to shape his lifestyle.</li><li>He shared the <keyword id="19904593" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="foods" source="keywords">foods</keyword> he has added to his diet that are linked to a longer lifespan.</li></ul>A doctor who claims to have <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doctor-longevity-expert-reverse-biological-age-years-diet-principle-s2024-7">reversed his age by 20 years</a> shared the foods he eats weekly in a bid to boost his longevity.<br /><br />Dr. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/busy-doctor-reversed-age-20-years-workout-routine-2024-7">Michael Roizen</a>, the chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic who has written books on longevity, is 78 years old but told Business Insider he has a "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-the-maximum-age-of-humans-115-or-older-2023-3">biological age</a>" of 57.6. (It's important to note that there's no consensus on what constitutes biological age and how to measure it).<br /><br />He said that while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/longevity-lifestyle-changes-live-longer-healthy-habits-genes-study-2024-5">genes play a part in life expectancy</a>, "the most important thing people have got to understand is that they get to control how long and how well they live."<br /><br />"You control your genes," he said, referring to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/health-effects-of-epigenetics-2013-6">epigenetics</a>, or how lifestyle factors can influences if genes turn or or off.<br /><br />"Your choices matter," he added.<br /><br />For example, a 2023 study published in the journal Nature found that those who switched to a healthy, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/longevity-diet-food-list-cheap-easy-2023-11">longevity-associated diet</a> in the long term were more likely to live over a decade longer. The researchers said this was likely because the participants ate more whole grains, nuts, and fruit, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-you-can-do-to-live-longer-healthier-2023-9">cut down on sugary drinks and processed meats</a>.<br /><br />Roizen said that even the smallest additions to a person's diets can have a positive effect on their health. He shared the seven foods he eats each week.<br /><br /><h2><keyword id="20155915" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="olive-oil" source="keywords">Olive oil</keyword></h2>Roizen said he has a tablespoon of olive oil every day. A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil a day had a 19% lower risk of dying from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/what-is-heart-disease">cardiovascular disease</a>, a 17% lower risk of dying from cancer, and a 29% lower risk of dying from a neurodegenerative disease. Plus, replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fats with olive oil appeared to lower the risk of dying by up to 34%.<br /><br />The authors suggested that this could be because of the anti-inflammatory and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/olive-oil-benefits">antioxidant properties of olive oil</a>, or because people who consumed more olive oil also tended to be more active, less likely to smoke, and ate more fruits and vegetables.<br /><br /><h2><keyword id="21217173" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="salmon" source="keywords">Salmon</keyword> and trout</h2>  <div type="image" title="Two cooked fillets of salmon on a plate with salad in the background." height="1061" width="1414" msid="112502318" hostid="261"></div>Eating fish once or twice a week was linked to a lower risk of dying from any cause in one 2022 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition. A separate 2018 study by researchers at China's Zhejiang University School of Medicine and the US-based National Cancer Institute had similar results. Participants who ate at least 227 grams of fish a week, per the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, had a 10% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.<br /><br />The current US dietary guidelines recommend people eat fish like salmon and trout because they are high in vitamin D, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/omega-3-benefits">omega-3 fatty acids</a> — which are important for heart health, providing energy, and building cells — and low in methyl mercury, a toxic heavy metal found in fish.<br /><br /><h2><keyword id="20510404" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dark-chocolate" source="keywords">Dark chocolate</keyword></h2>With dark chocolate, it's not hard to eat "a little bit every day," as Roizen recommended.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/dark-chocolate-benefits">Dark chocolate</a> has been linked to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and a reduced risk of heart disease, BI previously reported.<br /><br />Dr. Florence Comite, an endocrinologist and precision medicine specialist, previously told BI that she counts her daily square of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/longevity-supplements-live-longer-precision-medicine-doctor-2024-3">dark chocolate as a supplement</a> because of antioxidants it contains.<br /><br /><h2>Mushrooms</h2>Like Comite with dark chocolate, Roizen sees <a target="_blank" href="http://link">mushrooms as a supplement</a>, which he eats at least five times a week.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="Mushroom and onion sandwich on a board." height="1131" width="1508" msid="112502324" hostid="261"></div>"One of my favorite lunches is the MLT," he said. "Instead of a BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato), you have a mushroom lettuce and tomato, which is absolutely healthy and tastes magnificent."<br /><br />Mushrooms contain ergothioneine, which researchers from Penn State University dubbed a "longevity vitamin" because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2020 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7229907/">study</a> by researchers from Lund University, Sweden, linked ergothioneine to a lower risk for coronary artery disease and cardiometabolic disease for the same reasons.<br /><br /><h2>Avocados</h2>A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found associations between eating two servings of avocado a week and a lower risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. <br /><br />  <div type="image" title="Half an avocado with a spoon in it, mid-scoop." height="1264" width="1685" msid="112502319" hostid="261"></div>Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death and disability worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<br /><br /><h2>Cauliflower</h2>Roizen makes a "cauliflower creamer" by blending the vegetable with olive oil and using it as a spread.<br /><br />Researchers wrote in a 2021 review of studies published in Frontiers in Pharmacology that cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower, have been linked to lower cancer risk and the prevention and treatment of other chronic diseases, such as cardiometabolic disorders, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and musculoskeletal disorders.<br /><br /><i>Correction: August 15, 2024</i><i> — An earlier version of this story misstated the year a study was published. The study on avocados in the Journal of the American Heart Association was published in 2022, not 2023.</i><br />

A doctor who says he's reversed his age by 20 years eats these 7 foods every week to boost his longevity

<ul class="summary-list"><li>There's new evidence that chemicals can migrate to human bodies via material like plastic containers.</li><li>It's not clear what the health risks may be, but at least a few of the chemicals are known hazards.</li></ul><p>New research suggests you're being exposed to thousands of chemicals, including hazardous substances, that can leach into the human body through food- and beverage-related material like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-can-increase-diabetes-risk-new-research-2024-6">plastic bottles</a> and takeout containers.</p><p>It's not a surprise that our environment is full of contaminants, like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-penises-testicles-male-fertility-plastic-health-environment-2024-7">microplastics</a>, that can accumulate in our bodies</p><p>But researchers in a recent study were taken aback by just how many chemicals in our everyday items can migrate into humans, and said it's "concerning" that we don't fully understand the risks.</p><p>The researchers, led by scientists from a Swiss nonprofit called the Food Packaging Forum Foundation, looked at data on more than 14,000 food contact chemicals — substances in containers or other materials that touch what we eat and drink.</p><p>The study, published September 17 in the <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=98f40f9124eaa010f2a0a4c0fb4f3c1e59d87c00a6f65522c297e9b5c22824cf&amp;postID=66eae69769657a7deb42dbab&amp;postSlug=thousands-of-chemicals-entering-human-bodies-from-food-packaging-study-2024-9&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41370-024-00718-2">Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology</a>, explained that 25% of the chemicals they were studying — about 3,601 substances — showed up inside the human body, in samples including skin, hair, blood, breast milk, and fat tissue.</p><p>That suggests manufacturing chemicals are migrating into our bodies from items we use to store, package, or cook our food. It's not just plastic either, since even paper or cardboard can contain substances like ink that can be problematic when it comes into contact with food.</p><h2 id="27fa7f62-8a96-4c1c-a5a6-1d66b9506469">Trying to understand the health risks</h2><p>Scientists are digging for clues to understand the impact of these chemicals on long-term health.</p><p>Some of these chemicals are known to be dangerous, including <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-causes-cancer-food-products-that-increase-your-cancer-risk-2018-3">carcinogens (cancer-causing) substances</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-avoid-toxic-chemical-phthalates-in-food-makeup-toiletries-2021-10">toxins</a> linked to hormone and reproductive problems.</p><p>One such category is called PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chart-how-long-hazardous-forever-chemicals-pfas-stay-in-blood-2023-3">forever chemicals</a>" because they linger and accumulate in our bodies and in the water and soil. PFAs exposure is linked to some cancers, liver damage, and more, as well as possible developmental defects in children.</p><p>Other hazardous chemicals the study found in food and our bodies include <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/what-is-bpa">BPA</a> (a toxic ingredient in packaging linked to hormone problems) and heavy metals that can cause harm to our DNA.</p><p>And there's a lot we don't know about many of the other chemicals found in human samples, including whether they might be harmful or what, if any, amount is safe.</p><p>The actual number of chemicals we're exposed to through food and drinks could also be much higher than the 3,601 estimated in the study, according to the researchers.</p><h2 id="5746f6cb-2471-495d-9d89-a8d0cff3dc10">Putting limits on chemical exposure</h2><p>This same team of researchers previously published a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28893723/">study</a> that found government regulations aren't doing much to prevent chemical exposure.</p><p>While there are some existing rules — such as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/epa-hazardous-forever-chemicals-drinking-water-limits-2024-4">limits on PFAs in drinking water</a> — legislation is slow to keep up with the latest science, and sometimes too vague to enforce. Plus, there's so much we don't know about potential risks of chemicals that haven't been studied as closely.</p><p>The new study is one crucial step in understanding how chemicals in our environment (and in our food) could affect our health long-term, and how we might be able to reduce the risks in the future.</p><p>"This work highlights the fact that food contact materials are not fully safe, even though they may comply with regulations, because they transfer known hazardous chemicals into people," Jane Muncke, senior author of the study, environmental toxicology expert, and managing director at the Food Packaging Forum, said in a press release.</p><p>"We would like this new evidence base to be used for improving the safety of food contact materials — both in terms of regulations but also in the development of safer alternatives," Muncke said.</p>

Food packaging chemicals are seeping into human bodies — here's what that means for your health

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Airport workers in Phoenix, Charlotte describe dangerous conditions during extreme heat.</li><li>They joined fast-food and farm workers this week in demanding employers provide water, AC, and rest.</li></ul><p>Cecilia Ortiz walks 10 to 15 miles a day for her job at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, pushing people in wheelchairs to their gates and carrying luggage.</p><p>She loves her job, but it comes with risks, especially when temperatures reach triple digits for months in Phoenix. Ortiz said she sweats through her thick polyester uniform on jet bridges that aren't always air-conditioned. Access to cold water and rest breaks aren't guaranteed. Some of her colleagues who clean airplane cabins, transport luggage on the tarmac, or work as curbside agents have reported dizziness, nausea, and vomiting on the job — symptoms of heat exhaustion.</p><p>Ortiz this week is joining workers in the airline, fast-food, and farming sectors in 13 cities to demand that employers provide education and training about the symptoms of heat exhaustion, develop a plan of action for getting employees medical attention, and ensure that employees have access to water, shade, air conditioning, and rest breaks. On Tuesday there were demonstrations at airports in Phoenix and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.qcnews.com/charlotte/service-workers-at-charlotte-airport-protest-for-heat-protection/">Charlotte, North Carolina</a>, and on Thursday workers plan to take a coordinated drink of water and share it across social media. Several labor unions are organizing the actions.</p><p>Scorching heat is becoming more common in the US and around the world. Scientists have found that the climate crisis is causing more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting heat waves. Federal data indicates that each year <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/36-work-related-deaths-due-to-environmental-heat-exposure-in-2021.htm">dozens of workers in the US die from heat exposure</a>. This summer, a sanitation worker for the city of Baltimore died from hyperthermia, or overheating, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/07/15/usps-worker-heat-stroke-death-wendy-johnson/74414304007/">whether a postal worker's death in North Carolina was related to the heat</a>.</p><p>There are no national standards to protect indoor and outdoor workers. The Biden administration in July <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bidens-heat-standards-workers-water-shade-rest-2024-7">proposed rules for employers with workers exposed to temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit</a> or higher, but it could be years before they take effect. The rules could also be scrapped if former President Donald Trump wins the election in November.</p><p>Some states and cities have enacted their own policies, including California and Phoenix. This fall Maryland is expected to become the sixth state to adopt heat protections for workers. Meanwhile, Florida and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-extreme-heat-construction-crews-lose-breaks-water-2023-6">Texas have blocked such protections</a> at the local level.</p><p>The Phoenix City Council in April unanimously passed an ordinance requiring all city contractors and subcontractors to develop heat-safety plans for outdoor workers, including at construction sites and airports. The ordinance also requires access to rest, shade, water, and air conditioning. By 2025, closed-cab vehicles, like those that move airport baggage, must have AC.</p><p>Ortiz described the ordinance as a big win but said she still hadn't seen her employer, Prospect Airport Services, make changes. The company has more than 8,500 employees at 26 airports around the US and has contracts with airlines to provide passenger services, baggage handlers, and gate agents.</p><p>"The ordinance took effect in April, and we're in August now, still fighting for our basic human rights to a break and water," Ortiz said.</p><p>She and other airport contract workers tried to deliver a copy of the Phoenix ordinance to their supervisor on Tuesday, but he wouldn't leave his office, Ortiz said. Last August, Ortiz and 10 other employees filed a complaint with Arizona's occupational-safety authorities, who opened an investigation and conducted an on-site inspection, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/09/06/phoenix-excessive-heat-airport-workers/">The Washington Post reported</a>. A spokesman for the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health told Business Insider they could not immediately provide information about that investigation.</p><p>Unifi Aviation, the parent company of Prospect Airport Services, told BI in a statement that it had a heat-illness-prevention program that takes effect when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, adding that managers are encouraged to continuously check for signs of heat stress or illness among employees.</p><p>"All outdoor workers are provided with extra breaks, quick access to unlimited water, Gatorade, cooling towels and popsicles," the company said. "When possible, misting stations are also set up at the airports in partnership with airport or airline officials. Employees are also told not to sit or loiter in jet bridges for their own safety and that of those around them."</p><p>In California, farm workers are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. Lourdes Cardenas is a farm worker who lives in Fresno, California, where it has reached upward of 105 degrees Fahrenheit this summer. She said even though the state has a heat protection law, companies don't always follow it. Last summer, while working in tomato fields without shade, she had a headache and vomited. She had to drive herself home to rest.</p><p>"Many workers don't say anything when they feel bad because they are afraid they will be fired, or because they earn so little that they feel they have to take risks to get a paycheck," Cardenas said during a press conference on Monday hosted by labor unions, including United Farm Workers.</p><p>Fast-food workers at Waffle House and Starbucks told BI that AC units at some locations were broken for weeks last summer, causing the restaurants to be hotter than 80 degrees.</p><p>"We know that the planet is getting hotter and hotter every year, and we're seeing skyrocketing conditions for workers that people may not always think of when they think about the heat," said April Verrett, the president of the Service Employees International Union, which is helping organize this week's rallies. "Folks on jet bridges or in the kitchen, where temperatures can exceed 110 degrees — they're making these demands that it's time for employers to act now."</p>

Airport, farm, and fast-food workers rally for better heat protections

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong><em>This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.</em></strong></li></ul><p><strong>Welcome back to our Saturday edition!</strong> Kylie Kelce and her husband, y'know, the former Philadelphia Eagles power player Jason Kelce, are outnumbered at home. The couple has three girls and are adamant about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kylie-kelce-motherhood-marriage-jason-kelce-2024-6">not letting fame affect their family</a>.</p><p><strong>On the agenda:</strong></p><ul><li>Caitlin Clark has become the face of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/caitlin-clark-is-a-rorschach-test-for-sports-media-2024-6">an American culture war</a>.</li><li>A mom explains why <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-parent-who-ditched-gentle-parenting-it-doesnt-work-2024-6">she ditched gentle parenting</a>.</li><li>Scientists are working to make <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/scientists-making-ultra-processed-foods-healthier-in-major-new-study-2024-6">ultra-processed foods healthier</a>.</li><li>People are "quiet vacationing." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quiet-vacations-work-trends-culture-pto-travel-job-stress-2024-6">It's not as good as it sounds</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>But first: </strong>This, not that, vacation edition.</p><p><em>If this was forwarded to you, </em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/subscription/newsletter/insider-today-sunday-edition"><em>sign up here</em></a><em>. Download Insider's app </em><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.insider.com/app"><em><u>here.</u></em></a></p><h3 id="2d2d81c1-e984-4ab1-b11e-26ada0d3da0b"><strong>This week's dispatch</strong></h3><div type="image" title="people walking down a street in old montreal" height="1340" width="2018" msid="111190681" hostid="261" sizebytes="574762"></div><h2 id="5fae1437-cf50-43e0-903e-801420320ec8"><strong>A hideaway summer</strong></h2><p>It's no secret overtourism has become a problem. Hot destinations like Venice have<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/venice-lake-como-tourist-hot-spots-fees-barriers-prevent-overtourism-2024-5"> implemented fees to visit</a>, while a photo-worthy spot near Mount Fuji erected a barrier to keep tourists from flocking to the area.</p><p>If the idea of being shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow tourists gives you summer-vacation dread, don't worry — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/living-in-montreal-canada-paris-of-north-america-like-europe">there's a solution</a>.</p><p>There are many <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-lesser-known-italy-travel-destinations-according-to-local">hidden-gem destinations</a> perfect for solo travelers looking for peace and quiet, or family-friendly spots that will make everyone feel at home.</p><p>If you're <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-to-visit-in-greece-this-summer-2022-7">looking for an under-the-radar Greecian vacation</a>, why not book a stay in Halkidiki, known for its soft beaches, or Thessaloniki, packed with history? </p><p>Have your heart set on a vacation with a European feel? Skip the crowds in Paris and get your French fix in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/living-in-montreal-canada-paris-of-north-america-like-europe">Montreal, Canada</a>.</p><p>And if you'd rather <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/overlooked-states-you-should-visit-from-someone-who-visited-all-50-2022">stay closer to home</a>, Idaho is a state that often gets overlooked but provides some of the best views, while my home state of Maryland is so much more than crab cakes and football.</p><div type="image" title="Caitlyn Clark with a rorschach test in the background" height="1500" width="2000" msid="111190482" hostid="261" sizebytes="259230"></div><h2 id="89bb1f92-625d-4353-b2ff-8bdb89d72830"><strong>Caitlin Clark is a Rorschach test</strong></h2><p>Clark, a 22-year-old Iowa graduate and women's basketball sensation, has inadvertently become the center of an American culture war.</p><p>Clark doesn't talk politics, instead saying she's focused on basketball. But it's getting harder to focus on the game. Some sports commentators are deriding Black players, saying they're bullying Clark. Another compared Clark to Eminem, saying she doesn't get enough credit because she's white.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/caitlin-clark-is-a-rorschach-test-for-sports-media-2024-6"><strong>What it all tells us about the sports-media ecosystem</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><div type="image" title="Photo illustration of a parent with children acting out." height="1500" width="3000" msid="111190486" hostid="261" sizebytes="743114"></div><h2 id="461228f8-3810-4ba5-8cd9-05a0a7baea37"><strong>No more gentle parenting</strong></h2><p>This millennial mom always wanted to be the "cool" parent — and gentle parenting seemed to be the way to do it. The method frowns upon punitive tactics, seemingly aligning with what she wanted from motherhood: peacefulness.</p><p>But by the time her son approached preschool, it became clear it wasn't working. He was defiant to everyday tasks and struggled to recognize authority. So she gave up gentle parenting.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-parent-who-ditched-gentle-parenting-it-doesnt-work-2024-6"><strong>What she does instead</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>Also read:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gentle-parenting-bust-millennial-parents-helicopter-kids-misbehave-permissive-authoritative-2024-6">Millennials have a favorite parenting style. It isn't working</a>.</li></ul><h2 id="b35e99b4-02dd-4c39-9d82-7ce2af7c1407"><strong>Making ultra-processed foods healthy (ish)</strong></h2><p>Five years ago, nutrition scientist Kevin Hall changed how we view ultra-processed foods. He discovered an ultra-processed diet led to people consuming about an extra 500 calories per day.</p><p>His findings kicked off a wave of "clean" eating trends, but Hall wasn't convinced that shunning these convenience foods was the real solution. Now, he's on a mission to develop new recipes for ultra-processed meals in the hopes they'll be healthier.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/scientists-making-ultra-processed-foods-healthier-in-major-new-study-2024-6"><strong>Inside his latest study</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><div type="image" title="3d illustration of a laptop with pool items on top." height="1904" width="3809" msid="111190682" hostid="261" sizebytes="210714"></div><h2 id="e0200eae-fc1b-42e2-81fc-3e20ccd30350"><strong>Work from vacation</strong></h2><p>There's a new work trend in town that has people working while being <em>out </em>of town. Meet "quiet vacationing" — where people are working while secretly being on full-blown holidays.</p><p>It may sound better to answer emails on the beach than at the office. But the idea that people are under so much pressure at work that they can't even tell their boss they're on vacation is a startling reminder of America's broken work culture.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quiet-vacations-work-trends-culture-pto-travel-job-stress-2024-6"><strong>Why "quiet vacationing" is a bad idea</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><div type="image" title="The best things to watch this weekend." height="1500" width="3000" msid="111190686" hostid="261" sizebytes="138532"></div><h2 id="2c3238f5-f280-4bed-8b14-8f2e5b40392c"><strong>What we're watching this weekend</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>"Tell Them You Love Me":</strong> Netflix's new documentary tells the controversial true story of a married white professor and the nonverbal Black student she says she developed a relationship with.</li><li><strong>"Orphan Black: Echoes":</strong> The long-awaited spinoff to "Orphan Black" finally premieres this weekend.</li><li><strong>"Taylor Swift vs Scooter Braun: Bad Blood": </strong>The new Max docuseries will look at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/scooter-braun-profile-manager-bieber-ariana-grande-kanye-taylor-swift-2022-2">public dispute between Swift and Braun</a>.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-tv-shows-movies-streaming-netflix-max-hulu-june-21-24">See the full list.</a></p><div type="image" title="A red shopping bag surrounded by $100 bills." height="1500" width="2000" msid="111190683" hostid="261" sizebytes="244828"></div><h2 id="a09a70ef-5e7e-4bf4-80b2-3731f70bdc6e"><strong>Deals we love</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Beat the heat:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/best-portable-air-conditioner">We've tested over a dozen portable air conditioner units</a> to find the best ones for keeping cool during this summer's heat waves.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Don't forget the sunscreen:</strong> Combine two steps with these <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/beauty/best-sunscreen-moisturizer">10 face moisturizers with SPF</a> — and skip burned lips with a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/beauty/best-lip-balm-spf">good SPF lip balm</a>.</li><li><strong>Keep these bags by your side: </strong>We tested over a dozen purses to find <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/style/best-crossbody-bags">the best crossbody bags for every occasion</a>, whether you're traveling the world or running errands.</li></ul><h2 id="3a2e4b99-8063-4f80-8653-d1ec4a2af89a"><strong>More of this week's top reads:</strong></h2><ul><li>Your guide to running and rucking — and which to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/running-vs-rucking-which-is-best-fitness-routine-2024-6">add to your fitness routine</a>.</li><li>Eight ways to stay safe <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solo-woman-travel-safety-tips-frequent-international-traveler">while traveling solo</a>.</li><li>To get swole, Michael B. Jordan <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-b-jordan-uses-yoga-to-build-muscle-2024-6">recommends yoga and meditation</a>.</li><li>The luxury conglomerate behind Cartier is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cartier-van-cleef-richemont-winning-luxury-beating-lvmh-kering-2024-6">beating LVMH at its own game</a>.</li><li>Review: Eating at Disney World's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michelin-star-restaurant-disney-world-victoria-and-alberts-review-2024-6">only Michelin-starred restaurant</a>.</li><li>Gwyneth Paltrow's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gwyneth-paltrow-goop-pizza-review-2024-6">Goop pizza is actually … pretty good</a>?</li><li>Microplastics have been found in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-found-in-penis-muscles-for-the-first-time-study-2024-6">penis muscle for the first time</a>.</li><li>People are paying $17,000 a week for Silversea's luxe new cabin. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-expensive-ultra-luxury-cruise-cabin-silversea-new-ship-suite-2024-6">See inside</a>.</li><li>Fertility clinics are targeting Gen Z — and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/egg-freezing-fertility-clinics-targeting-gen-z-women-high-cost-2024-6">young women are paying the price</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>The Insider Today team: </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/joi-marie-mckenzie">Joi-Marie McKenzie</a>, editor in chief of life, in New York. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/jordan-parker-erb">Jordan Parker Erb</a>, editor, in New York. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/dan-defrancesco">Dan DeFrancesco</a>, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/lisa-ryan">Lisa Ryan</a>, executive editor, in New York. Grace Lett, associate editor, in Chicago. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York.</p>

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