Scientists at the University of Toronto have made a startling discovery. They have found that chemicals used to line junk food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags are leaching into the foods that they cover.
Perfluorinated carboxylic acids or PFCAs are by-products of chemicals used to make nonstick and water- and stain-resistant products, including food packaging. PFCAs, the best known of which is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are found in humans worldwide. However, they do not break down easily; instead, they accumulate in the body.
Although researchers do not agree on the level of health risks posed by the chemicals, given their toxicity, bioaccumulation, persistence, and long half-life in humans, these chemicals were phased out in the United States in 2002. In the study, which was recently published in Environmental Health Perspectives and conducted by Jessica D’eon and Scott Mabury of the University of Toronto’s department of chemistry, rats were exposed to PAPs either orally or by injection. They were observed and monitored for a three-week period. The scientists’ findings concerning how these chemicals are metabolized will help reduce and control human chemical exposure in the future.
Scientists believe that the environmental and health risks posed by PFCAs may equal or even exceed those of other known carcinogens. PFCAs have been linked to cancer and other developmental effects in animal experiments. These toxic chemicals are also becoming increasingly detected in the air, household dust and soil. –torrance stephens, ph.d.
