There’s been a lot of concern about PFAS in drinking water. It was recently discovered that over 7 million California residents may have been exposed to the chemicals through their water, and more states are taking action like New Hampshire and setting their own strict PFAS drinking water standards.
But drinking water isn’t the only way people are exposed to PFAS chemicals—as this recent Wired article points out. Food packaging may also play a role. Here are a few key notes from the article:
- PFAS chemicals have been used in food packaging such as pizza boxes, hamburger wrappers and popcorn bags
- PFAS chemicals are used in these materials because the prevent the food from sticking to the container or seeping through the packaging
- In the case of popcorn bags, the PFAS chemicals also keep the bag from catching on fire as the kernels and oil inside get very hot while cooking in the microwave
Unfortunately, the Wired article reports that food packaging containing PFAS chemicals can enable the chemicals to get into our bloodstreams when we eat those foods. The article cites a study that found “people who reported eating microwave popcorn had significantly higher levels of four types of PFAS chemicals”.
Until these food packages are changed to remove the presence of PFAS (which the article suggests may happen in the near future as consumer concern and demand continues to increase), the best way to reduce your potential exposure to the chemicals may be to steer clear of them.
