Did anybody tell you that a Teflon frying pan releases PTFE during cooking? Is there PTFE in your bike oil? Have you ever noticed ‘PFC-free’ labels on waterproofs? These are all terms referring to PFAS.
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 14,000 industrial chemicals widely used in various industries like aerospace, automotive, construction, consumer goods, and electronics because of their resistance to grease, oil, water, and heat.
Certain PFAS are also allowed by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) for limited use in food packaging, food processing equipment, and cookware.
In recent years, the scientific community has delved deeper into the consequences of PFAS exposure, and the realization of their presence in the food supply chain adds a new dimension to the dialogue surrounding food safety.
This article will provide you with knowledge about PFAS contamination and its implications for the safety of the food we consume. Let’s first see what we know about these chemicals, and later we will deal with the studies that prove their toxicity.
PFAS are “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their exceptional persistence in the environment. The term reflects the extraordinary durability and resistance of these substances to degradation over time.
The unique chemical structure of PFAS, characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, contributes to their remarkable stability.
Unlike many other chemicals that break down or degrade over time, PFAS are highly resistant to environmental processes such as sunlight, heat, and microbial activity. This resistance allows them to persist in the environment for extended periods without undergoing significant breakdown.
The nickname “Forever Chemicals” underscores the challenges associated with managing and remedying PFAS contamination. Once released into the environment, PFAS can accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, posing long-term concerns for ecosystems and human health.
The persistent nature of PFAS highlights the need for careful consideration of their use, disposal, and remediation to mitigate the long-lasting impact they can have on the environment and biological systems.
How Can Food Become Contaminated with PFAS?
We already mentioned that PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, and their presence in food can result from different sources.
Air and water: PFAS are released into the environment through industrial processes, waste disposal, and the use of PFAS-containing products. Once in the air, PFAS can settle onto soil and water, contaminating agricultural fields and bodies of water.
Consumer products: The use of consumer products containing PFAS, such as non-stick cookware and water-resistant textiles, can contribute to environmental contamination. PFAS released into the air and water during the production and use of these products can eventually find their way into the food supply.
Cross-contamination: During food handling and preparation, cross-contamination can occur when PFAS-containing materials come into contact with food. For example, using cutting boards with PFAS residues can transfer these substances to the food.
Food packaging: PFAS have been used in the production of certain types of food packaging materials, especially those designed to be grease-resistant or water-resistant. These materials can transfer PFAS to the food they come into contact with, leading to contamination.
Fish and seafood: PFAS can be present in bodies of water, and aquatic organisms, such as fish, can accumulate these substances over time. Consuming contaminated fish and seafood can be a significant source of PFAS exposure for humans.
How does PFAS Affect our Health?
Concerns about the potential public health hazards of human exposure to PFAS continue to rise as scientists learn more about these chemicals. The large number of PFAS compounds presents considerable challenges. The available toxicity data is currently limited to only a few chemicals, not all of them.
While the full extent of the health effects of PFAS exposure is still being studied, some studies have suggested associations with various health problems. These potential health effects include:
- Thyroid issues: PFAS exposure has been linked to changes in thyroid hormone levels, which can affect metabolism and overall health.
- Immune system effects: Some studies have suggested that PFAS exposure may impact the immune system, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the body’s defenses against diseases and infections.
- Reproductive and developmental issues: There is evidence that exposure to PFAS may be associated with reproductive issues, including decreased fertility and developmental delays in infants and children.
- Cancer: Some studies have suggested a possible link between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of certain cancers, although the evidence is not yet conclusive.
- Endocrine disruption: PFAS may disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body. This disruption can have a range of effects on various bodily functions and may contribute to health issues.
- Liver Health: PFAS has been shown to accumulate in the liver, potentially leading to liver toxicity and other related health problems.
The previous list of health effects is limited to those PFAS substances that have been studied. More research is needed to better understand the potential health effects of all PFAS substances on human health.
FDA Confirmed PFAS Chemicals Are in the US Food Supply
In June 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration confirmed that PFAS chemicals have made their way into the US food supply.
The FDA conducted testing on a dairy farm situated near a US Air Force base where PFAS-containing firefighting foams had been used. Results revealed that water samples in the area tested 35 times higher than the current US Environmental Protection Agency health advisory limit of 70 parts per trillion.
The analysis encompassed 13 samples from the dairy farm, including water, animal feed, and five actual milk samples. All 13 samples showed detectable levels of PFAS with a chemical structure similar to that used in firefighting foams.
The FDA deemed the samples a “human health concern,” leading to the disposal of all milk from the farm. The FDA also highlighted that even after the cessation of exposure to PFAS-contaminated water and feed, the accumulated chemicals can persist in cows. The study indicated that it would take approximately 1.5 years for a cow to eliminate these chemicals from its system after 30 days of consuming contaminated food and water.
The FDA also examined samples of produce from farms near a PFAS manufacturing facility, and these products were distributed at local farmer’s markets. The FDA noted that the area’s water wells are recognized to be contaminated with GenX, a specific PFAS.
Out of the 20 produce samples tested, 16 comprised leafy greens like lettuce, cabbage, kale, and collard greens. Fifteen of these samples exhibited detectable levels of PFAS. Despite this, the FDA stated that the “samples were determined not to be a human health concern.”
Advocacy Organizations Fight PFAS in Food
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), an advocacy organization focused on the environment, maintains comprehensive databases on PFAS contamination, including those in drinking water, food, and consumer products. These databases are accessible to the public and serve as educational resources.
They provide the public with reports and studies highlighting the presence of PFAS in various products to awaken awareness and understanding of the issue.
EWG supports scientific research on PFAS exposure and health effects. This research contributes to the broader scientific understanding of PFAS and informs advocacy efforts. They collaborate with legal experts or mass tort lawyers for PFAS contamination to explore avenues for legal action against companies or entities responsible for PFAS pollution.
By combining these strategies, advocacy organizations like EWG contribute to the ongoing dialogue around PFAS contamination, promote regulatory changes, and empower communities and consumers to take action. Their multifaceted approach is essential to addressing the complex issue of PFAS in the food supply.
Final Words
PFAS in the food supply raises significant concerns, marking PFAS contamination as an emerging food safety issue.
Efforts to address this emerging issue involve ongoing research, monitoring, and regulatory measures aimed at understanding the extent of contamination, establishing safe levels, and mitigating exposure.
Continued vigilance, research, and public awareness are essential in navigating and mitigating the complexities of this evolving food safety challenge.