News from 102.5 ABC Perth

Topic is Scientific Research

Michaela Lucas says people can reduce plastic chemicals in their body

In short

Perth researchers found reducing plastic packaging can lower chemicals in the body

Trials showed lower urine levels of plastic chemicals after a week

What next?

The team plans to research health impacts of plastic chemicals

Researchers from the University of Western Australia studied 211 adults and found avoiding plastic reduces chemicals in the body by up to 50 per cent

The study focused on phthalates and bisphenols from plastic products

Phthalates are in soft plastics and bisphenols are in hard plastics

All 211 participants had high levels of plastic chemicals in their urine

Sixty members were in a trial to reduce plastic exposure in daily life

The team reduced plastic exposure through food and personal care products

They worked with farmers to produce food without plastic

Some participants got food that never touched plastic

Plastics can leach chemicals into food

Another group changed their kitchen utensils

The team audited kitchens and replaced plastic items with glass and wood

One group used plastic-free personal care products too

Chemical levels changed in seven days

After a week, plastic consumption decreased by over 44 per cent

The team plans to find a safe level of bodily plastic

Many products have plastic packaging that can lead to chemical ingestion

The team will study the impact of plastics on fertility

People can reduce plastic chemicals by changing their habits

People should audit their kitchen and avoid processed foods

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