Food testing reveals how diet can add to exposure to 'forever chemicals'
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a vast family of chemicals used largely for their nonstick, water-repellent and grease-resistant properties—are called "forever chemicals" because of their remarkable resistance to degradation. They are now ubiquitous in our environment.
A recent study has revealed that food consumption, specifically animal protein sources, can significantly contribute to human exposure to PFAS, or forever chemicals. Researchers from Université de Montréal found that PFAS levels in foods like fish, seafood, and meat were considerably higher than in drinking water, with average concentrations of 1.9 ng/g, 1.3 ng/g, and 1.2 ng/g, respectively.
While a vegetarian or vegan diet may seem preferable, the research indicates that grains, consumed in large quantities across all diets, still play a significant role in overall PFAS exposure. Despite this, reducing animal product consumption can still lower some exposure, though it may not eliminate it entirely.
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