A Perspective on Human Exposures to Plastics Additives in Water-Packaging Materials

Plastic and polymer additives (PA) have unique rational advantages for various water and food packaging applications. However, their (bio)chemical natures are recently recognized for their negative human health impacts. The major adverse consequence of these additives in consumer products is in the form of endocrine-disruption related health-downgrades. Such findings still remain underappreciated in most parts globally; part of which could be ascribed to fragmented studies towards better understanding on the occurrence, release and migration, human exposure, epidemiology and risk assessment of PA from packaging materials. In addition there is limited and disconnected dissemination of research findings on PA effects and mitigation measures to society at present. In light of appropriateness of this topic, a trans-disciplinary research agenda is required for addressing exposure routes to PA, human health burden and prevention measures. This perspective article discusses important research questions relating to PA, which try to shed light to a grey scientific area and help increase consumers’ awareness and intervention to such exposures.