'I was tested for harmful plastic chemicals in my body – the results horrified me'

With plastic unavoidable in most Brits' lives, Mirror environment editor Nada Farhoud looks into the impact they are having on our bodies - with PFA chemicals linked to infertility, diabetes and even cancer

As the Mirror’s environment editor I’ve taken drastic steps to reduce the amount of plastic in my daily life.

From ditching plastic razors that need to go into the bin in favour of an all-metal reusable version to using refill shops for pasta, rice and oils. But eliminating it completely is impossible as plastic infiltrates every part of our lives.

The chemicals used in their production have been found in everything from strawberries to waterproof clothing. Should we worry? Could it be making us ill? I took a test to find out. Known as forever chemicals, as they take hundreds of years to breakdown.

A family of 10,000 chemicals called PFAS (or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are everywhere from non-stick pans, waterproof coats and cosmetics. Valued for their non-stick and detergent properties, these "forever chemicals" do not break down in the environment and can build up in the body.

They have made their way into water, soils and sediments from a wide range of consumer products, firefighting foams, waste and industrial processes. They are also found in rivers and streams. But could they also be in the body?

I sent off a urine sample to a lab in Washington DC called Million Marker as part of a science project run by the group Earth Day Organisation. I am tested for nine common chemicals found in everyday products - seven Phthalates and two Bisphenols. My results come back two months later and are worryingly high.

I've tested for 93% exposure to a chemical which is linked to infertility, diabetes, immune disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer. I’m told my exposure sources are plastic food and drink containers, thermal receipts and canned foods, which have a plastic coating inside.

I also test at 78% exposure for a forever chemical that has been linked to reproductive problems, metabolic diseases, early puberty and endometriosis. This time my sources are fragrances, plastic tablet coatings for vitamin supplements, food and drink containers and house dust as a result of the daily wear and tear of the carpets in my flat.

Millon Marker said: “Alarmingly, even in small amounts, these chemicals can cause significant harm to our health and well-being. The chemicals we tested your body for can disrupt how your hormones work. Repeated exposure to these chemicals has been linked to severe chronic health conditions, including infertility, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, and cancer.

“The good news is that our bodies typically eliminate these harmful chemicals within 24-48 hours. But we are continuously exposed to them through our personal care products, cleaning supplies, food, and more. Identifying and reducing exposure to these chemicals as much as possible is crucial for maintaining optimal health.”

If there was any consolation, it is that I am not remotely alone. “These chemicals were found in over 90% of individuals tested,” says Jenna Hua, the founder and CEO of Million Marker, who is also a dietitian and environmental policy scientist.

She told me: “People are getting these exposures day in and day out.” While her organisation is putting pressure on manufacturers and governments to make changes at global level, she advises me the best thing I can do is to drastically limit my exposure to plastics everyday.

But completely eradicating them is impossible as modern day life is drowning in plastic.

Chemical: Phthalates

Result: 78%

What it means: Top phthalate exposure is very high. Phthalates are linked to endocrine and reproductive problems, metabolic diseases, early puberty, endometriosis, and infertility in men and women.

Where it comes from: Major phthalate exposure sources are fragrances, extended release tablet coatings, plastic food and drink containers, and house dust.

Chemical: Bisphenols

Result: 93%

What it means: Extremely high reading. Bisphenols are linked to infertility in men and women, diabetes, immune disorders, cardiovascular disease, endometriosis, PCOS, obesity, abnormal brain development in babies and children, and cancer.

Where it comes from: Exposure sources are plastic food and drink containers, thermal receipts, and canned foods.