Synthetic chemicals in food system creating health burden of $2.2tn a year, report finds

Phthalates and bisphenols are commonly used as plastic additives, employed in food packaging and disposable gloves used in preparation. Photograph: Paul Weston/Alamy

Scientists have issued an urgent warning that some of the synthetic chemicals that help underpin the current food system are driving increased rates of cancer, neurodevelopmental conditions and infertility, while degrading the foundations of global agriculture.

The health burden from phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides and Pfas “forever chemicals” amounts to up to $2.2tn a year – roughly as much as the profits of the world’s 100 largest publicly listed companies, according to the report published on Wednesday.