A study conducted byConsumer Reports outlines how certain fast-food, fast-casual restaurants and grocery store chains, contains toxic chemicals in their packaging. These 'forever chemicals,' called PFAS, are dangerous to your health.
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The study on 'forever chemicals'
According to biomonitoring tests conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, virtually all Americans' blood is polluted with PFAS and calls it a 'public health concern.'
'Forever Chemicals' is a term used for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). It is said to live on long after we perish and that's what makes it even more toxic.
Consumer Reports (CR) investigated 118 food packaging items marketed by 24 firms in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut tri-state area.
Even from corporations that claim to have phased them out, CR discovered 'forever chemicals' in bowls, bags, plates, and wrappers. Some of the famous fast-food chains named in the report are Nathan's Famous, Cava, Arby's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Stop & Shop and Sweetgreen.
CR notes:
Levels of PFAS indicators in the 200s were found in a Sweetgreen paper bag for focaccia, additional items at Cava, and in bags for french fries, cookies and Chicken McNuggets at McDonald's.
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Health issues caused by 'forever chemicals'
Several health studies and tests have discovered that packaging containing PFAS is dangerous to health and severely affects the immune system.
Regenesis, an environmental remediation research solution, describes the risks from PFAS as:
Exposure to PFAS increases the risk of cancer, harms the development of the fetus and reduces the effectiveness of vaccines.
CDC notes that PFAS contribute to the waning of vaccine doses and says:
There is evidence from human and animal studies that PFAS exposure may reduce antibody responses to vaccines.
CNN adds:
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry said studies in humans and lab animals have found links between certain PFAS chemicals and an increase in cholesterol levels, alterations in liver enzymes, a higher risk of developing kidney or testicular cancer,small reductions in infant birth weights and an additional risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women.
