On March 16, 2026, The Plastic Detox documentary was released on Netflix. The film was directed by Louis Psihoyos and Josh Murphy and explores the impacts plastic chemicals in everyday life may have on health and fertility. The documentary is based on a peer-reviewed scientific study published in the journal Toxics and led by Jenna Hua from Million Marker Wellness Inc. One of the experts featured in the film is Leonardo Trasande, a Professor of Pediatrics at New York University and a long-standing member of the Food Packaging Forum’s Scientific Advisory Board.
3,696 chemicals have been found in and migrating from food contact plastics, according to the Food Packaging Forum’s FCCmigex database. Other materials can also leach hazardous chemicals into food, like paper, cardboard, beverage cartons, and metal food and beverage cans that are lined with plastic on the inside (FPF reported).
Chemicals used in food contact materials are not routinely tested beyond genotoxicity for the wider range of health impacts they can have, such as cardiovascular disease, immune system and brain-related disorders, metabolic disruption (like diabetes or obesity) and reproductive health-related disorders, such as infertility (FPF reported). Chemicals including bisphenol A (BPA; CAS 80-05-7) and various phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to fertility issues and reproductive toxicity.
The Plastic Detox film follows six couples struggling with fertility issues. Over a three-month period, the researchers tested whether personalized education, product substitutions, and weekly coaching can lead to changes in fertility-related biomarkers. Specifically, the study’s authors measured urinary metabolites of phthalates, environmental phenols, benzophenones, and BPA.
As presented in the film, the intervention study found that using fewer plastic products lowered levels of known chemicals of concern in the body, including BPA. Moreover, “directional reductions were observed in urinary [BPA], mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) over the intervention period.” Similarly, semen parameters from the men improved during the study.
The weekly coaching also led to other positive outcomes: “Participants had increased environmental health literacy, were more motivated to reduce exposures, and reported improved wellness endpoints.”
The authors are aware of some key limitations of their study. “Given the study’s small sample size and absence of a control group, the findings should be interpreted with appropriate caution.” It is also important to note that infertility is a complex issue with multiple causes. Following the intervention study, four of the six couples later successfully had a child.
The Food Packaging Forum’s interactive FCCmigex and FCChumon databases map the published science on where chemicals have been found in food contact materials. Our FCCprio List uses publicly available hazard data to prioritize known 1,222 chemicals of concern to avoid and phase out in food contact products. This includes the bisphenols and phthalates investigated in the film, as well as many other harmful chemicals present in food packaging and other food contact articles with various potential harms to human health. For readers new to this issue, our crash course page provides helpful introductions and further resources.
Reference
Louis Psihoyos and Josh Murphy (March 16, 2026) “The Plastic Detox.” Netflix.
Hua et al. (March 16, 2026) “Targeting plastic exposure in infertile couples: A pilot intervention study.” Toxics. DOI: 10.3390/toxics14030257
