The study investigates the carcinogenic potential of plastic additives, which are chemical compounds added to plastics to improve functionality or as residual components. Over 2,712 plastic additives were identified, with more than 150 known to be carcinogenic. However, the majority (around 90%) lack data on carcinogenic endpoints. The study used toxicogenomic analysis to assess the impact of these additives on gene expression pathways, revealing that both carcinogenic additives and those with unknown carcinogenicity affect similar biological pathways, including DNA damage, apoptosis, immune response, viral diseases, and cancer. The study highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of plastic additives and regulatory responses to mitigate health risks. Plastic additives are present in various products, including food packaging, clothing, and medical equipment. They can leach into the environment and human bodies, posing potential health risks. The study found that many additives are associated with multiple biological functions and products, and their usage patterns vary widely. Additives such as diethylhexyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and bisphenol A are linked to various health effects, including cancer and other diseases. The study also identified that unclassified additives share similar gene expression impacts with known carcinogens, suggesting that they may also pose significant health risks. The results emphasize the need for further research and regulatory action to address the potential health impacts of plastic additives. The study provides a framework for identifying products and populations at risk and highlights the importance of comprehensive toxicological studies to understand the effects of plastic additives on human health.The study investigates the carcinogenic potential of plastic additives, which are chemical compounds added to plastics to improve functionality or as residual components. Over 2,712 plastic additives were identified, with more than 150 known to be carcinogenic. However, the majority (around 90%) lack data on carcinogenic endpoints. The study used toxicogenomic analysis to assess the impact of these additives on gene expression pathways, revealing that both carcinogenic additives and those with unknown carcinogenicity affect similar biological pathways, including DNA damage, apoptosis, immune response, viral diseases, and cancer. The study highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of plastic additives and regulatory responses to mitigate health risks. Plastic additives are present in various products, including food packaging, clothing, and medical equipment. They can leach into the environment and human bodies, posing potential health risks. The study found that many additives are associated with multiple biological functions and products, and their usage patterns vary widely. Additives such as diethylhexyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and bisphenol A are linked to various health effects, including cancer and other diseases. The study also identified that unclassified additives share similar gene expression impacts with known carcinogens, suggesting that they may also pose significant health risks. The results emphasize the need for further research and regulatory action to address the potential health impacts of plastic additives. The study provides a framework for identifying products and populations at risk and highlights the importance of comprehensive toxicological studies to understand the effects of plastic additives on human health.