( NewsNation ) — Just over 3,600 chemicals — including some known carcinogens — from food packaging, processing and storage have been found in humans, according to new research .
Published in the journal Nature , the peer-reviewed research highlighted the link between food packaging and preparation and human exposure to sometimes-harmful chemicals.
The chemicals (found in human blood, hair, breast milk and urine) include PFAs , bisphenol, metals , volatile organic compounds and phthalates. The study’s authors say they migrate from packaging into food, and from food to humans.
Some chemicals, including PFAs, are associated with higher risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular, as well as low birthweight, high cholesterol and pregnancy-induced hypertension, according to the CDC .
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PFAs resist breaking down naturally and can build up in the body over time, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”