Four groups of chemicals in the global food system cost the world nearly $3 trillion a year by causing disease, decreasing fertility and polluting water and soil, according to a new report.
The report, authored by the sustainability consultancy and investment firm Systemiq, finds that phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are key threats to human health.
The researchers said the available evidence on human exposure and associated health risks from those four groups of chemicals show risks that include heart issues, cancers, reproductive, developmental and immune system disorders, birth defects and endocrine disruption — creating estimated health care costs between $1.4 and $2.2 trillion each year. They estimated an additional $640 billion is spent each year due to water quality issues and agricultural losses.