The Leaf Plates

Paper plates can contain a number of harmful chemicals, including:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that are often used in food packaging to make it grease- and water-resistant. However, PFAS are also known as "forever chemicals" because they can persist in the environment and human body for many years. PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system suppression.

• Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used to make plastic more flexible and durable. However, phthalates are also known to be endocrine disruptors, which means that they can interfere with the body's hormones. Phthalate exposure has been linked to a number of health problems, including reproductive problems, birth defects, and cancer.

• Bisphenol A (BPA): BPA is a chemical that is used to make hard plastic. However, BPA is also known to be an endocrine disruptor. BPA exposure has been linked to a number of health problems, including reproductive problems, birth defects, and cancer.

In addition to these specific chemicals, paper plates may also contain other harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals and dioxins. These chemicals can leach into food when paper plates are used, especially when they are used to serve hot or oily foods. 

A 2017 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that women who had high levels of PFAS in their blood were more likely to develop breast cancer. PFAS, as mentioned above, are a group of man-made chemicals that are often used in food packaging to make it grease- and water-resistant. They can also be found in paper plates.

Another study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research in 2018, found that exposure to phthalates, which are also commonly found in paper plates, may increase the risk of prostate cancer in men.