What Are PFAS and What Are They Doing in Our Food?
Our food could be contaminated. Even if you cook your own meals and eat as healthy as you can, toxic chemicals like poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can find their way into the body through an unexpected source. What's more, they can wreak havoc on the immune system and cause developmental problems in children. We have a break-down of where PFAS come from, and how to keep your consumption to a minimum.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a class of synthetic polymers that repel oil and water and that, because of this trait, manufacturers add to carpeting, clothing, kitchenware, food packaging and numerous other items as a protective coating. PFAS are extremely slow to degrade and can remain in humans for years after consumption, leading to bioaccumulation.
A study on rhesus monkeys found the chemicals to be deadly, with high doses killing all of the test subjects within 20 days of starting a 90-day trial. Lower doses increased cholesterol levels and liver weight, and also led to immune system damage. Studies on humans have shown the chemicals can suppress immune function and may cause developmental problems in children.
How PFAS Get in Our Food
PFAS and similar compounds can end up in our food in a number of ways. They can transfer from packaging to the food they’re containing, such as the paper wrappers of fast-food sandwiches and other greasy or messy foods. By the way, the risk of these chemicals leaching into food increases with heat.
PFAS are prevalent in some water supplies. Researchers took 50 water samples from 25 different water treatment plants, and every sample tested positive for at least a trace of PFAS. One source even exceeded safety limits. Freshwater fish from contaminated bodies of water may be a particularly potent source of PFAS in humans.
How to Avoid Them
Consumer Reports recommends cooking and preparing as much at home as you can and avoiding plastic containers whenever possible. Don’t eat microwave popcorn, which has PFAS in its packaging, and look into local water conditions to find out if you need a filter on your tap. If you catch your own fish, check to make sure your local sources are safe.
We can’t avoid PFAS entirely, they seem to be a fact of modern life, but we can reduce our exposure. Take precautions to avoid chemically contaminated food and don’t eat anything that’s been stored or wrapped in liquid-resistant paper. Know where your tap water comes from and filter it if you’re not sure about any possible contaminants. Dangerous chemicals are everywhere these days, it's true — but vigilance is still important. Minimize your risks by being proactive and staying informed.
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