Summary of Scientists Discover Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Fast-Food Packaging:
According to a study by the University of Toronto, Indiana University, and the University of Notre Dame, harmful chemicals known as PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) have been found in Canadian fast-food packaging. PFAS, used for their water and oil-resistant properties in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and fire-fighting foams, have been linked to various health problems, including cancer and thyroid disorders. The study reveals that food packaging can expose people to PFAS by contaminating our food. When disposed of, packaging introduces PFAS into the environment, where they never degrade.
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Harmful PFAS Chemicals Found in Canadian Fast Food Packaging
Researchers from the University of Toronto, Indiana University, and the University of Notre Dame have discovered the presence of harmful PFAS chemicals in Canadian fast-food packaging for the first time. These chemicals, known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, have been found in water-and-grease repellent paper alternatives to plastic.
PFAS chemicals are associated with severe health impacts
The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters, 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. Additionally, packaging introduces PFAS into the environment when disposed of, where these persistent substances never degrade.
PFAS in fiber-based molded bowls is marketed as “compostable.”
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. Fiber-based molded bowls marketed as “compostable” had PFAS levels three to 10 times higher than doughnut and pastry bags.
PFAS are a complex group of about 9,000 manufactured chemicals
PFAS are a complex group of about 9,000 manufactured chemicals, few of which have been studied for their toxicity. A PFAS that is known to be toxic—6:2 FTOH (6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol)—was the most abundant compound detected in these samples. Other PFAS commonly found in all the Canadian fast-food packaging tested can transform into this compound, increasing consumer exposure.
The concentration of PFAS declined by up to 85 percent after storing the products for two years.
Critically, the researchers found that the concentration of PFAS declined by up to 85 percent after storing the products for two years, contradicting claims that polymeric PFAS—a type composed of larger molecules—does not degrade and escape from products.
PFAS present in non-stick cookware and fire-fighting foams
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in various products due to their water and oil-resistant properties. They are commonly found in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and fire-fighting foams. PFAS can persist in the environment for a long time and has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, thyroid disorders, and developmental issues.
11 U.S. states have prohibited PFAS in the majority of food packaging
In response to the health and ecological hazards, 11 U.S. states have not permitted PFAS in most food packaging. Two leading restaurant chains have pledged to eliminate PFAS by 2025.
PFAS chemicals persist in the environment
“As Canada restricts single-use plastics in food-service ware, our research shows that what we like to think of as the better alternatives, such as paper wrappers and compostable bowls, are not so safe and ‘green’ after all. They may harm our health and the environment—from our air to our drinking water—by providing a direct route to PFAS exposure,” says Miriam Diamond, Department of Earth Sciences and School of the Environment professor at the University of Toronto study co-author.
The use of PFAS in food packaging is a regrettable substitution
“The use of PFAS in food packaging is a regrettable substitution of trading one harmful option—single-use plastics—for another. We need to strengthen regulations and push for fiber-based food packaging that doesn’t contain PFAS,” says Diamond.
The study was funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Green Science Policy Institute, and the European Union under the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.
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