Read the full article by Kallie James (Billings School of Global Public Health)
“Research has shown that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ can be found in many parts of our daily lives, such as our water supply, cooking tools and more. However, one place many people don’t think to look for PFAS is in food.
Recently, a new study led by researchers at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health found that PFAS is in more of what we eat than we realize, both in ultra-processed foods, like ready-to-go meals, and unprocessed or minimally processed foods, like seafood and meat products. These chemicals have been linked to several health harms, including increased cholesterol levels, cardiovascular and immune system issues, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and low infant birth weight. PFAS can even pass through the placenta, meaning many babies have PFAS already in their blood at birth.
Postdoctoral researcher Diana C. Pacyga, PhD, who is lead author on the study, said that this finding is an example of the complexity of our food system, as the foods that provide us with essential nutrients also contain chemicals, both of which can impact our health.” …