have discovered the presence of harmful PFAS chemicals in Canadian fast-food packaging. These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been found in water-and-grease repellent paper alternatives to plastic., reveals that food packaging can expose people to PFAS, chemicals associated with severe health impacts such as elevated cancer risk and harm to the immune system, through contamination of the food we consume.
For the study, the researchers collected 42 paper-based wrappers and bowls from fast-food restaurants in Toronto and tested them for total fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. They then completed a detailed analysis of eight of those samples with high levels of total fluorine. Fibre-based moulded bowls, which are marketed as “compostable”, had PFAS levels three to 10 times higher than doughnut and pastry bags. PFAS are added to these bowls and bags as a water- and grease-repellent.
Critically, the researchers found that the concentration of PFAS declined by up to 85 per cent after storing the products for two years, contradicting claims that polymeric PFAS—a type composed of larger molecules—do not degrade and escape from products. The release of PFAS from food packaging into indoor air presents another opportunity for human exposure to these chemicals.
There is not such thing as forever chemicals. Everything breaks down and is eaten by something on earth as part of it's diet. Science has knows for 70 years that many bacteria and insects eat all compounds found in crude. This includes those turned into plastic. In fact, 99%…
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