The helplessness of the consumer and the toxins that harm us

If you have plastic food containers, do not put them in the microwave and, in general, try to prevent them from heating up. Some, the majority, are endocrine disruptors. That is to say, despite being petroleum-derived products, they simulate hormonal functioning that alters health in very diverse ways. Also endocrine disruptors are the price labels placed on trays of fresh or cooked supermarket products. Experts advise that we do not touch them and that we quickly avoid their contact with food. The plastic that wraps these trays can also be toxic. And shampoo, sunscreen, or synthetic clothing that repels water. Scientists have identified a thousand toxic elements that can function as endocrine disruptors, and which in some cases penetrate the human body and can stay there for even years. It is not something immediate. There is no clear cause-effect relationship, and other factors contribute to it, but it is becoming clearer, after hundreds of scientific studies, that constant exposure to this cocktail of toxins ends up having consequences. It has been linked, for example, to early puberty, obesity, diabetes, and infertility problems. And there are starting to be indications that link them to some types of hormonal cancer, such as prostate or breast cancer. They are especially dangerous for pregnant women, children, and adolescents.

For thirty years there has been scientific evidence of the danger of bisphenol A (BPA), a common compound in beverage and food containers for years. Since last July, it can no longer be marketed in materials in contact with food in the European Union. The ban is from 2025, but there has been a transition period so that the industry could adapt to the regulations. In fact, in some cases, such as cans of preserved fruits, vegetables, and fishery products, marketing will be allowed until 2028. It may seem innocuous, but it is a sign of the extent to which consumers are defenseless, because the regulation arrives late and there is also no clear information on how the product can harm us. When we buy certain products we expect them to be safe, but in the case of these consumer materials there is no prior regulation – as is the case with new drugs –, but rather it is afterwards that the toxicity of the product must be demonstrated. And that is difficult.

It is clear that oil and its derivatives, from fuels to plastics, pesticides, or fertilizers, have made our lives easier, but they are also contributing to polluting both the planet and ourselves. The solution, as seen in the whole decarbonization process, is not easy and is expensive, which mainly harms the most disadvantaged. But it is necessary to listen to science, increase controls and prevention, and carry out better citizen awareness campaigns. Changing all this will imply economic and personal sacrifices, but the sooner this reality is faced, the sooner we will be able to find solutions and improvements in the health of humans and the planet.