‘Forever Chemicals’: How to avoid!
A recent independent study conducted by The Alliance for Natural Health USA revealed that kale samples from major US supermarkets were contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals.'
In this research, only one out of eight samples of kale tested had no PFAS contamination. Worryingly, the organic samples were higher in PFAS than the conventional ones. This research sheds light on the concerning levels of PFAS found in a vegetable widely regarded as a symbol of healthy eating and contamination of some organic produce as a result of PFAS contaminated compost.
What are PFAS/Forever Chemicals?
This class of more than 1200 chemicals are pretty much indestructible, lasting in our environment for thousands of years and accumulating in our bodies. The half-life of some PFAS is years. Now part of our everyday life, PFAS contaminate our air, water, soil, and food.
Other foods found to be PFAS contaminated are seafood, meat, peanut butter, chocolate cake, cooking oil and pasta sauce.
What are the health risks?
PFAs contamination is linked to many health issues including cancer (kidney and testicular), thyroid disease, poor immunity, high cholesterol and fertility issues and birth defects.
Examples of PFAS sources include:
Stain-resistant or breathable, water-resistant coatings used on furniture, carpets, and clothing. For examples, raincoats, gym shorts/leggings, mattresses, sofa covers, umbrellas and some cosmetic products such as waterproof mascara, eyeliners, shampoo, and sun cream.
Grease-resistant food packaging particularly used for fast foods and take-aways.
Non-stick cookware for example, Teflon.
Firefighting foam used on military bases and airports, resulting in a toxic build-up of PFAS contamination in water, soil and sewage used to fertilize crops and for livestock feed.
How to reduce our risk from forever chemicals!
Buy from brands that are PFAS free such as Uniqlo, H&M, Levi’s, M&S and Primark.
Use this excellent website to find baking, clothing, cookware, cosmetics, and fire safety brands that are PFAS free.
Use an app like Yuka to scan products to see if they are non-toxic.
Drink clean water! Home water filters can help reduce contamination levels. A recent study found that reverse osmosis filters were most effective at removing PFAS. Or try Zero Water filters for a cheaper but effective solution. Use code JPN10 for 10% off all water jugs and replacement filters. Note that boiling the water does not rid it of PFAS.
Replace non-stick pans with stainless steel, cast-iron, glass, or ceramic alternatives or use PFAS-free brands like Greenpan.
Don’t heat up foods wrapped in grease-resistant packaging.
Don’t use PFAS-treated popcorn microwave bags. Cook popcorn kernels in a pan on a hob using popcorn kernels and olive oil.
With thanks to all the team at The Alliance of Natural Health for raising awareness in the UK of PFAS contamination. and their continuing important research, helping the public make safer dietary and lifestyle choices.