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Fast food with industrial chemicals coming right up


Most people know fast food isn’t particularly healthy, but a new study has discovered there may be more hidden in our fast food than we think.

The Environmental Health Perspectives article suggests those who consume fast food are potentially ingesting harmful chemicals too, in particular, phthalates.

Fast food may contain harmful industrial chemicals. Photo: Thinkstock
Fast food may contain harmful industrial chemicals. Photo: Thinkstock

Phthalates are used to make plastic more durable and flexible and are commonly found in household products like soap, cosmetics and food packaging.

Fast food is particularly susceptible to phthalate exposure as it is highly processed, packaged, and often handled with gloves, reports CNN.

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The study looked into the connection between those who consumed fast food and the levels of phthalates found in their urine.

Using 8877 people’s data from a Centers for Disease Control survey collected between 2003 and 2010, researchers found those who consumed 35 per cent more calories from fast food showed higher levels of phthalates in their urine, compared to those who hadn’t consumed fast food at all in the last 24 hours.

While the impact of these chemicals on human health isn't fully understood, research on rats exposed to phthalates has shown instances of male infertility, while other studies are currently looking at the impact the chemical has on pregnant women and children.