Synthetic Chemicals in Food System Costing $2.2 Trillion Annually

A new report reveals that synthetic chemicals in the food system are imposing a staggering health burden of approximately $2.2 trillion annually. Scientists warn that chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, and PFAS are linked to increased rates of cancer, neurodevelopmental conditions, and infertility, while also degrading global agriculture.

The report, led by a team from Systemiq and involving various institutions including the Institute of Preventive Health and the Center for Environmental Health, highlights that ecosystem damage remains largely unpriced, with an additional cost of $640 billion attributed to agricultural losses and water safety standards.

Notably, the report warns that if exposure to these endocrine disruptors continues at current rates, there could be a reduction of 200 to 700 million births between 2025 and 2100. Philip Landrigan, a leading figure in the report, emphasizes the urgency of addressing chemical pollution, equating its severity to climate change.

He notes that since World War II, the production of synthetic chemicals has increased significantly, with over 350,000 chemicals currently on the market, many of which remain inadequately tested for safety.

The report serves as a critical call to action for immediate policy change to mitigate these health and environmental impacts.