Overview of high-level quantitative evidence for the
effects of five classes of plastic-associated chemicals on
human health. Each square represents a summary of findings
from all included meta-analyses that have evaluated the
combination of internal exposure to a plastic-associated
chemical and a human health outcome according to the
following colour code:
RED: ‘Consistent and statistically significant evidence of
harm.’ 95% confidence of association with harmful health
effects on meta-analysis. Defined by a statistically significant
adverse association between total exposure to a class of
chemicals and a health outcome OR a statistically significant
adverse association between each chemical evaluated within
a class and that health outcome OR a mix of statistically
significant adverse associations and non-significant trends
towards adverse association for each chemical evaluated
within a class (without any trends in the other direction).
ORANGE: ‘Strong reason for concern.’ Statistically significant
evidence of harmful health effects on meta-analysis (95%
confidence of association), but with some inconsistency in
findings. Defined by a mix of statistically significant adverse
associations and non-significant trends and / or null findings
for various chemicals in a class and a health outcome and no
statistically significant protective associations.
YELLOW: ‘Reason for concern.’ Some evidence of harmful
health effects on meta-analysis but not meeting statistical
significance (95% confidence). Defined by consistent nonsignificant
trends towards adverse associations for various
chemicals in a class and health outcomes, but no statistically
significant findings.
LIGHT BLUE: ‘Reassuring.’ Statistically significant evidence against
harmful health effects on meta-analysis (95% confidence).
Defined by statistically significant protective associations
between total exposure to a class of chemicals and health
outcomes OR statistically significant protective associations
between each chemical evaluated within a class and that
health outcome OR a mix of statistically significant protective
associations and non-significant protective trends for each
chemical
GRAY: ‘Unclear.’ No consistent pattern of harmful health
effects on meta-analysis but, equally, safety is not
established. Defined by no statistically significant adverse
associations and no consistent trends towards adverse
associations OR non-significant trends towards protective
associations but no statistically significant findings OR where
there are both statistically significant adverse associations
and statistically significant protective associations.
CLEAR: ‘NO data’ from systematic reviews with meta-analysis
BPA Exposure → Cardiovascular Disease
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Research Finding: People with high exposure to BPA have been found to be
1.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease than people with low
exposure.
What is BPA? Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make
certain plastics and resins. It's commonly found in food containers, water bottles, and
thermal paper receipts.
Health Implications: This association suggests that BPA exposure may be a
risk factor for cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of reducing exposure to
this chemical when possible.
Info
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Meta-Analysis: A scientific meta-analysis is a powerful research method that
systematically synthesizes and statistically analyzes data from multiple independent studies to answer a
common research question. By pooling results and increasing statistical power, it provides a more
precise, robust, and generalizable overall conclusion than individual studies, often resolving
conflicting findings and identifying sources of variability. This "study of studies" forms the
cornerstone of evidence-based decision-making across various scientific disciplines by offering a
comprehensive summary of the strongest available evidence.
