As a nutritionist, I not only understand the complexities of nutrition; They also need to stay up to date on food safety laws and the wide range of issues that arise.
Recently, the topic of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their presence in plastics has been in the media. There is increasing conversation about potential health risks, environmental impacts, and the ubiquity of these compounds in our daily diet. The conversation about microplastics is similar, but different in theme, and has reached a level where it cannot be ignored.
This post covers both PFAS and microplastics in food. Because the issues surrounding them are similar.
I think the question everyone is asking is, “Are microplastics harmful?” How harmful are PFAS? Where can I find PFAS?
Should I be concerned about PFAS and microplastics in my food?
PFAS and microplastics are both environmental concerns, but they have different sources and routes of entry into the environment.
PFAS are intentionally manufactured chemicals, whereas microplastics are the result of the decomposition of larger plastic materials or the intentional production of small plastic particles for specific uses.
What are PFAS?
Many of us first learned about PFAS in 2020 when news of their presence in carbonated water made headlines. Consumer Reports, an advocacy group, conducted a study showing that 47 brands of water had levels above what CR has set as a safe level (3 ppb).
Note that the federal guideline is less than 70 ppt (parts per trillion). This kind of number-fucking by Consumer Reports is similar to what we often see done by fellow activist group EWG. For example, when we told everyone that Cheerios contained high levels of glyphosate, that’s what they did.
EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen sets arbitrary safety limits for chemicals far below standards determined safe for human consumption by EWG, and then conducts “research.” Another example. – Discovering that food contains amounts above those levels.
Nevertheless, PFAS is something we should all be aware of. Despite the hysteria caused by the CR headlines, we are at least beginning to understand that PFAS permeate our food supply at a broader level than just nonstick frying pans.
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in a variety of industrial and consumer products for decades. DuPont was the first company to introduce Teflon cookware to the world in the form of PFOA.
PFOA is nearly phased out, but for that to happen thousands of people will have to become seriously and often terminally ill from PFOA-contaminated air and drinking water near the DuPont plant. there were.
Unfortunately, newer PFAS are being developed, and they appear to be just as problematic. There are literally thousands of PFAS, many of which have not been tested for toxicity.
PFAS are known for their high resistance to heat, water, and oil, making them useful in applications such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. We eat them, we breathe them, and new research has found that we’re likely absorbing them through our skin (although this is outside the body, not in a living person). Sources of PFAS that we encounter every day include drinking water (gas), greaseproof paper, personal care products such as shampoo, and clothing.
PFAS are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” meaning they do not break down in the environment.
Although we excrete some PFAS in our urine, they can accumulate faster than they are excreted.
This diagram is a simple way to show how PFAS enter our environment and our bodies.
Are PFAS harmful?
New PFAS have been developed and appear to be no less hazardous to human health. Exposure to PFAS is associated with an increased risk of some cancers, possible elevated blood lipids, possible increased risk of obesity, impaired immune health, and other effects.
Although most of the research has been conducted on animals and shows that PFAS have negative effects, it is important to note that the doses of PFAS that animals have been exposed to are much higher than those experienced by humans. That is important.
Let’s rephrase it like this. No one disputes that PFAS are not a problem for both the environment and human health. More information is needed to establish a solid link and make final recommendations regarding dosage, etc.
What is microplastic?
Microplastics are small plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, that result from the decomposition of larger plastic products or are intentionally manufactured in small sizes for certain products, such as exfoliating facial cleansers. Nanoplastics are also microplastics, but they are so small that they are actually invisible to the human eye.
To differentiate, microplastics do not directly produce PFAS. Like PFAS, microplastics do not break down in the environment (or in the human body).
Plastics are mainly made using fossil fuels.
We consume microplastics in our seafood, drinking water, and salt.
Simply opening plastic food packaging and twisting the cap of a plastic bottle releases microplastics into your food.
A 2023 study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that plastic cutting boards (something we’ve always thought of as “safer” than wood, at least from a bacterial perspective) are more likely to contain microorganisms in food. It has been found to be a significant source of plastic. This 2022 study found similar results.
According to this 2023 study, heating food in plastic containers releases more microplastics into the food than storing it refrigerated or at room temperature. Even dishwasher detergent pods introduce microplastics into the environment.
Microplastics have been found in human tissue, oceans and marine animals, sand, and even rain and snow. They are basically everywhere. We eat them and breathe them. Nanoplastics are so small that they have even been found inside human cells. We know that bees carry microplastics in their bodies.
You all know that I’m always critical of research and never exaggerate risks, but I find all of this quite upsetting.
Explain how microplastics get into honey.
Here’s how they get into the fish.
A 2019 study found that humans consume between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year. Drinking bottled water increases that number by 9,000.
In March 2023, an investigation was conducted into the prevalence of microplastics in some soft drinks. Microplastic particles were found in all of the top 10 soft drinks tested. The study found that people were exposed to about nine microplastic particles per liter of soft drink.
Are microplastics harmful?
Microplastics are ubiquitous, but much is still unknown about their effects on human health.
Not only is it extremely difficult to measure microplastics in the environment, it is also difficult to prove a causal relationship between microplastics and adverse health effects. We think it’s likely that they are harmful to our health in some way, but it’s more of a “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” kind of situation.
Both microplastics and PFAS (and many others) are toxic depending on the dose. Is it possible to take a certain amount of each of these and still be harmless? Perhaps. But we still don’t know where the line is between what’s harmless and what’s harmful.
This 2019 research review suggests that components of plastics (and therefore microplastics) are endocrine disruptors. However, most studies were conducted on animals and in laboratory dishes. Exposing cells to large amounts of a particular chemical does not mimic how that chemical would affect a freely living human being.
This 2023 research review suggests that microplastics can cause gastrointestinal inflammation, disruption of the gut microbiome, lung disease, reproductive issues, and more. However, most of the studies used were conducted in cells, mussels, and rodents.
A 2024 study on microplastics published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients whose arterial plaques contained microplastics and nanoplastics had worse heart disease than patients whose plaques did not contain microplastics and nanoplastics. They were found to be at high risk for vascular disease. This study did not prove a causal link between microplastics and disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized emerging issues regarding microplastics in the environment, including their presence in water sources and their potential for human ingestion.
WHO emphasized the need for further research to better understand the potential health risks associated with ingesting microplastics. They recognized the importance of monitoring and assessing the levels of microplastics in the environment and its potential impact on human health.
What are the regulations regarding PFAS?
Regulations regarding PFAS are being considered and enacted in both the United States and Canada.
In Canada, PFAS are still used in certain products but are now regulated.
The federal government plans to designate PFAS as a class of toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). This is the first step toward tightening regulations and potentially banning the manufacture, use, sale, and import of products containing PFAS.
In the United States, the EPA continues to designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances. According to the review, California, Vermont, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin are some of the states that currently regulate PFAS in products.
EPA has a Strategic PFAS Roadmap that includes obtaining more data on PFAS levels in the nation’s drinking water (UCMR 5).
Importantly, there are many types of PFAS and they are still used in things most of us see every day.
What are the regulations regarding microplastics?
The production of all toiletries containing microbeads is currently banned in Canada, the United States, and the European Union.
Health Canada acknowledges that people can be exposed to microplastics by eating food and drinking bottled or tap water, but how much does this affect human health over the long term? Further research is needed to understand the impact and develop regulations regarding microplastics. Similarly, there are no regulations or dosage recommendations regarding microplastics in the United States. Further research is needed.
In April 2024, world leaders gathered in Ottawa, Canada for the Global Summit on Plastic Pollution. The summit aims to be a historic treaty to reduce plastic pollution, and by extension microplastics in the environment. This work is ongoing.
There is a long way to go in researching and regulating both PFAS and microplastics. While it’s impossible not to be exposed to them, it’s probably a good idea to be aware of how to minimize your exposure.
How to avoid microplastics in food:
Use glass or stainless steel containers. If you plan to store or heat food in the microwave, choose glass or stainless steel containers.
Avoid heating food in plastic containers. If possible, transfer food to a glass or ceramic container before reheating.
Limit the use of plastic wrap. When covering food to store it, consider using alternatives like beeswax wrap, parchment paper, or reusable silicone lids.
Use a metal water bottle. Instead of drinking from disposable plastic bottles, choose reusable metal water bottles.
Be careful with plastic cutting boards. Use wood whenever possible.
Minimize your exposure to PFAS:
Get information about products. Learn about products that may contain PFAS, such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and certain types of food packaging.
Use an alternative to non-stick cookware. Consider using stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware instead of nonstick pans that are coated with PFAS.
Filter your drinking water. If you suspect your water source is contaminated, use a water filter certified to remove PFAS.
Choose products that are PFAS-free. Look for products labeled as PFAS-free or specifically marketed as alternatives to products containing PFAS.
Always consult your health care professional for individualized advice, especially if you have specific health concerns or symptoms related to exposure to these substances.
Additionally, staying informed about regulatory updates and ongoing research is essential to making informed choices.
