A rare randomized controlled trial in humans involving plastic comes out of PERTH, Australia!!

- John McNeil, MD

Plastic Exposure Reduction Transforms Health Trial (PERTH)

Great to see this study published. Very well planned out, very rigorous. It assessed levels of urinary plastic-associated chemicals (PACs), such as phthalates and bisphenols, after interventions to reduce exposure. PACs are added to plastic polymers to provide additional features such as flexibility or smoother linings. They are also linked with endocrine disruption and cardiovascular effects, and many specific plasticizers are banned by countries.

60 patients were randomized for seven days to different levels of plastic avoidance - diet (including way down the food chain), food preparation, personal care products, and a control arm with no intervention. With just seven days of plastic reduction, these healthy participants were found to have lower levels of urinary plasticizers!

It is very challenging to do randomized trials with plastics due to its ubiquity, so we applaud these Australian researchers for being one of the first groups to do so.

The next step is to move beyond association with disease in humans, and demonstrate causation. This will be challenging but essential!