Premature births linked food packaging plastics? Details here

Researchers have claimed that premature births are probably linked to plastics that cover foods, as per a CNN report. Artificial substances known as phthalates, commonly utilized in transparent food packaging and various personal care items, as per the report.

Research indicates that the primary link to premature labor is attributed to a specific phthalate present in food packaging known as Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or DEHP. In this recent investigation, scientists identified DEHP and three analogous compounds as potential contributors to approximately 5 per cent to 10 per cent of all premature deliveries in 2018. This discovery sheds light on a possible factor contributing to the increasing incidence of premature births, CNN reported quoting researchers.

Meanwhile, California would ban all plastic shopping bags in 2026 under a new bill announced Thursday in the state Legislature. California already bans thin plastic shopping bags at grocery stores and other shops, but shoppers at checkout can purchase bags made with a thicker plastic that purportedly makes them reusable and recyclable.


Democratic state Senator Catherine Blakespear said people are not reusing or recycling those bags. She points to a state study that found the amount of plastic shopping bags trashed per person grew from 8 pounds per year in 2004 to 11 pounds per year in 2021.

FAQs

Q1. Has California banned plastic shopping bags?
A1. California would ban all plastic shopping bags in 2026 under a new bill announced Thursday in the state Legislature.

Q2. Which types of bags are banned in California?
A2. California already bans thin plastic shopping bags at grocery stores and other shops, but shoppers at checkout can purchase bags made with a thicker plastic that purportedly makes them reusable and recyclable.