Notre Dame: Scientists at the University of Notre Dame have revealed in a study that PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds) found in everyday plastic containers can end up in our diet. PFEs contain fluorine and are harmful chemicals known as ‘forever chemicals’.
A new study published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters has revealed that high-density fluorinated polyethylene (HDPE) plastic containers (commonly used containers for food) containers, pesticide bottles, personal care products, etc.) contain PPFs.
This research was done after a report published by the EPA. The report indicated that these containers were causing large amounts of PFAs in pesticides. However, this new study is the first to quantify the amount and extent of leaching of PFAs from these containers into food. Measurements of heat effects were presented.
The results of the study also revealed that PFs have the potential to enter the diet from fluorinated containers. Which means that dangerous chemicals can go directly into the body and cause a number of harmful health problems, including various types of cancer.
(Photo: University of Notre Dame)
Graham Paisley, a professor of physics at the university and author of the study, said that the scientists not only measured the amount of PFs in these containers, but they could also estimate the amount of PFs that humans would be exposed to.
It is important to clarify here that these types of vessels are not made for the purpose of storing food, but nothing prevents these vessels from being used for this purpose.
According to the researchers, not all HDPE plastics are fluorinated. It is often impossible for the consumer to know whether a dish is fluorinated or not.
According to Graham Paisley, if pesticides are placed in these containers and then applied to crops, the PFAs in the pesticide will end up in the human diet.
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