Plastics have become a common part of everyday life—from food packaging and kitchen containers to personal care products. Many people rely on these materials because they are convenient, lightweight, and widely available. However, scientists are increasingly raising concerns about the chemicals that plastics may release into food and the human body.
Now, a recent study suggests that simple lifestyle changes—such as reducing plastic use in daily routines—may help lower people’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
The researchers conducted an experiment with over 200 adult volunteers, with the goal of evaluating the effects of lifestyle modifications on exposure to plastics. In addition, they aimed to explore strategies to reduce chemical exposure to plastics.
The study sought to investigate whether avoiding contact with plastics in food containers, kitchen utensils, and personal care products can decrease the body’s exposure to plastics.
The study was released on April 21, 2026.
The research was conducted in Perth, Australia, among participants in the PERTH trial.
The scientists aimed to investigate whether lifestyle changes could reduce human exposure to harmful chemicals in plastics.
In a recent study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that reducing exposure to plastic in food, diet, and personal products can lower people’s exposure to various chemicals associated with plastic.
People could ingest plastic-associated chemicals when they eat packaged foods or use products stored in plastic containers. Additionally, they may ingest them when they apply products containing plastic components.
These included eating foods with minimal contact with plastic packaging and using kitchenware made of materials other than plastic.
The result was a noticeable reduction in the exposure to some of the chemicals. In seven days, there was a reduction in phthalate and bisphenol A among those who had altered their diet.