Researchers have identified nearly 200 chemicals linked to breast cancer in food packaging materials and plastic tableware, with many capable of migrating into the human body.

In a study published in ‘Frontiers in Toxicology’, they highlighted the presence of at least 189 potential breast carcinogens, including PFAS, bisphenols, and phthalates, in food contact materials (FCMs).

Jane Muncke, study co-author, managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, a non-profit foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland said,  “There is strong evidence that 76 known or potential breast carcinogens from food contact materials recently purchased all over the world can be found in people.”

Muncke added, “This study is important because it shows that there is a huge opportunity for prevention of human exposure to breast cancer-causing chemicals. The potential for cancer prevention by reducing hazardous chemicals in your daily life is underexplored and deserves much more attention.”

For the study, the team compared a recently published list of potential breast carcinogens.

They found 189 potential breast carcinogens have been detected in FCMs, including 143 in plastics and 89 in paper or board.

Further, the team limited their study to the most recently available studies in 2020-2022.

They also found evidence of exposure to 76 suspected mammary carcinogens from FCMs purchased all over the world, 61 of which (80 per cent) are from plastics.

The study found chemicals such as benzene which is a known carcinogen connected to breast cancers in animals and people; 4,4’-Methylenebis-(2-Chloroaniline) which is a probable carcinogen linked to bladder cancer; 2,4-Toluenediamine, found to cause breast and other cancers in animals; and 3,3?-Dimethylbenzidine and o-Toluidine, which are dyes used to colour plastic and paper.

Despite existing regulations in these countries, intended to limit carcinogenic substances in FCMs, the study highlights gaps in current regulatory frameworks.

“Our findings imply that chronic exposure of the entire population to suspected mammary carcinogens from FCMs is the norm and highlights an important, but currently underappreciated, opportunity for prevention.”

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide.

According to the WHO, around 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally. Breast cancer usually affects women, however, there are cases where the disease has affected men as well.