Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of man-made chemicals used in the production of a wide range of consumer products such as stain-resistant carpets, non-stick pans, waterproof jackets, and grease-proof food packaging. These chemicals are extremely persistent, and some can linger in our bodies for many years. Nearly all Americans carry traces of these chemicals in their bodies.
With over 12,000 compounds, and growing, these toxic chemicals pose an enormous public health challenge. PFAS chemicals have been linked to a wide range of health effects including immune system toxicity, elevated cholesterol, altered mammary gland development, effects on the thyroid and liver, and cancer. Scientists are concerned that exposure to these chemicals that alter mammary gland development may increase the risk of breast cancer later in life.
Many of the chemicals used in food packaging can leach into food and enter people’s bodies. A 2019 study by Silent Spring Institute revealed that people who ate more meals at home had significantly lower levels of PFAS in their bodies vs. those who consumed more fast food or ate out more often. This same study also showed that people who ate more microwave popcorn had higher PFAS in their blood. Chemicals in food packaging also raise health concerns when they are disposed of in landfills as they can enter the soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water supplies.