That unexpected ingredient is something called a plasticizer: a chemical used to make plastic more flexible and durable. Today, plasticizers—the most common of which are called phthalates—show up ...

Ms. Chaudhuri is a journalist in London and the author of the forthcoming book “Consumed: How Big Brands Got Us Hooked on Plastic.” In 1957, 92 percent of American children were potty-trained by 18 ...

Everyday use of plastics in the kitchen releases microplastics into food and beverages, but there are practical solutions.