Recent study: Toxic substances found in everyday products – found “everywhere” in Norway
PFAS is a short abbreviation for per- and poly-fluoro-alkyl substances and are called “eternal substances” because they break down very slowly in nature. Decades ago, they were told that they have a very good ability to repel water and keep products and surfaces stain-free. Since then, the fabrics have been used extensively in rainwear, hiking clothes, storage boxes, on furniture, in bedding and on napkins.
Can lead to extensive health places
Now a recent American study goes out and warns against the harmful fluorinated substances, which can cause damage to the liver and heart, as well as autoimmune disorders, cancer and hormonal disorders. The study was conducted by The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and is published by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Independent laboratories were asked to test 60 products in three different frequently used categories: outdoor clothing, bedding and disposable tablecloths and napkins from 10 different giant manufacturers. Most of the products are imported goods from Asia.
– We found harmful amounts of PFAS in many products, including rain jackets, hiking pants, sweaters, mattresses, mattress toppers, tablecloths and napkins, says one of the researchers behind the study Erika Schreder to CNN.
Found in the people’s bloodstream
PFAS are man-made chemicals, and according to one CDC study completed in 2015, the chemicals are found in the bloodstream of 99 percent of Americans.
according to FHI’s website PFAS is used «everywhere», despite the fact that the website also states that the substances accumulate in the body and can be harmful to health. In 2020, the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA, set a new tolerance limit for PFSA substances. According to their report Infants and young children are most exposed to the chemicals in Europe.
The chemicals have been used for over 50 years, and in Norway they can be found in food packaging, frying pans, impregnating agents for textiles, fire extinguishers, cleaning products, cosmetics, paints, varnishes and certain types of ski lubrication. FHI does not produce substances in Norway, but that the chemicals are found in imported goods.
Get it in us through food and drink
Most of us get it in us through food and drink, and the fetus is exposed to it via the umbilical cord. In young children, breast milk is the largest source of PFAS. We get little, but some of it, through touch and particles in the air we breathe.
However, the researchers behind the recent study believe that this is the way you can avoid the chemicals that are harmful to health.
– The substances were not found in the products that are not marked as water-repellent and stain-repellent, so if consumers want to be on the safe side, they can invest in such products, the researchers say.
Thus, you may want to choose storage boxes for food and beverages that are not stain and grease repellent, as well as frying pans that do not contain Teflon.