Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used for several decades in a range of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and fire-fighting foams.
Despite their widespread use, evidence has emerged that PFAS can have negative health effects on humans.
What are PFAS?
As mentioned, PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in various applications for over five decades.
They are exceptionally resistant to heat, oil, and water, which makes them incredibly useful in a wide range of commercial and industrial processes. For example, perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are commonly found in non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics.
In contrast, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are used in food packaging materials like pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags.
Are PFAS Dangerous to Health?
Persistent exposure to PFAS has negative effects on human health. Studies have linked PFAS to high cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and kidney and testicular cancers.
A 2018 study found that PFAS exposure impairs the immune response to vaccines, making them less effective.
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PFAS in Food: What You Need to Know
How Do PFAS Contaminate Food?
Apart from the direct exposure of PFAS from non-stick cookware or fabric, PFAS contamination of food can occur in several ways:.
- Contamination of soil and water that produces crops, leading to PFAS in the food chain.
- Through contamination of food-packaging material that leaches into the food.
- PFAS can also contaminate the air near PFAS manufacturing or processing plants, and PFAS-laden dust can then settle on crops or enter livestock feed.
Which Foods Have High Levels of PFAS?
Typically, foods that have a high fat content are most likely to have high PFAS content due to their affinity for fat molecules. Poultry, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products are all examples of high-fat foods.
Additionally, fast foods and takes out have also proven to have high PFAS levels due to their packaging. The following are several examples of PFAS exposure in food:.
- The US Food and Drug Administration found PFAS in over 14% of the food samples they tested, mostly in meat and seafood.
- The US Department of Agriculture detected PFAS in 17% of the beef samples drawn from across the country.
- A study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that multiple brands of microwave popcorn were contaminated with high levels of PFAS.
How to Reduce Exposure to PFAS?
Although it is not feasible to entirely eliminate PFAS exposure, there are ways you can reduce your exposure:.
- Avoid using non-stick cookware.
- Avoid using or consuming food that comes in packaging like microwave popcorn bags or fast food containers.
- Filter your tap water: PFAS can be present in drinking water. Using water filters that can remove PFAS will reduce your exposure to them.
Conclusion
PFAS are a class of chemicals that have proven to be dangerous to human health. Exposure to these chemicals occurs in various ways, including consuming contaminated food.
High-fat foods, fast foods, and takeout, as well as food-packaging materials, can contain PFAS. However, controlling exposure to PFAS is feasible through simple actions like avoiding non-stick cookware, filtering your tap water, and avoiding foods that come in packaging material containing PFAS.
