The Endocrine Society, the world's largest professional body for hormone specialists, and the International Pollutants Elimination Network reviewed the scientific evidence on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics.
They cite a Nordic Council of Ministers list of 144 chemicals or chemical groups known to be hazardous that are actively used in plastics. The main families are bisphenols (such as bisphenol A (BPA)), phthalates (plasticisers), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals', brominated flame retardants, alkylphenols, ultraviolet (UV) stabilisers and toxic metals. These chemicals can leach from plastics during use, in recycling and when plastic breaks down, and are linked to cancers, diabetes, obesity, reduced fertility and neurodevelopmental problems.
The guide matters because it shifts attention from the plastic particles themselves to the additives inside them, which is where the strongest evidence of harm lies.
It is a synthesis by medical and advocacy organisations rather than a primary study; the underlying evidence varies in strength by chemical.