Climate change solutions
We deliver game-changing environmental solutions that have a real impact for people around the globe.
Featured
Our impact
For almost 60 years, we have been building innovative solutions to the biggest environmental challenges — from the soil to the sky.
Featured
About us
Guided by science and economics, and committed to climate justice, we work in the places, on the projects and with the people that can make the biggest difference.
Featured
Get involved
If we act now — together — there’s still time to build a future where people, the economy and the Earth can all thrive. Every one of us has a role to play. Choose yours.
Featured
News and stories
Stay informed and get inspired with our in-depth reporting about the people and ideas making a difference, insights from our experts and the latest environmental progress.
Featured
    • EDF Health

    Chemical Concerns – Insights on Air Pollution, Public Health, and Chemical Safety

    Disease by a thousand cuts: How a daily barrage of chemicals in our food makes us more likely to get sick over time

    Disease by a thousand cuts: How a daily barrage of chemicals in our food makes us more likely to get sick over time

    Posted: in Adverse health effects, BPA, Chemical exposure, Chemical regulation, Congress, Cumulative impact, Deep Dives, Food, Food contact materials, Food packaging, Health policy, Phthalates, Plastic, Rules/Regulations

    Written By

    Maria Doa, PhD, Senior Director, Chemicals Policy Liora Fiksel, Project Manager, Healthy Communities Maricel Maffini, PhD, Consultant
    Maria Doa, PhD, Senior Director, Chemicals Policy , Liora Fiksel, Project Manager, Healthy Communities & Maricel Maffini, PhD, Consultant

    Share

    Near-constant exposure to chemicals in food is taking a toll on Americans’ health at all stages of development. Where is the FDA?

    What’s new: From the first cup of coffee to the last late-night snack, Americans are exposed to hundreds or even thousands of chemicals in their food every day. These chemicals enter our diet as ingredients, additives and colors or from leaching from processing equipment and packaging. Some are harmless, but many are toxic, linked to serious health problems, including cancer. In a new joint article by experts at EDF and Consumer Reports, we look at how the cumulative effects of chemicals in food harm our health over time and explain why the FDA already has the legal authority — and responsibility — to protect us.

    Why it matters: While we tend to think about the risks of one chemical at a time — BPA in our water bottles, PFAS in our cookware, methylene chloride in our decaf coffee — the realities of our modern, industrialized food system demand that we broaden our focus. With the average American facing hundreds of food-related chemical exposures a day, several of these chemicals can affect the same organs or bodily systems. Although the effect of each exposure might be small, the collective impact of many — whether over the short- or long-term — wages a war of attrition against our health.

    Go Deeper: Read our full deep-dive article here.

    Related Posts