it’s not just the food that is bad

It seems it may be in the wrapper, too.

There is a class of chemical called C8 or PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) which is used in some manufacturing processes and has been found in items like stain resistant carpeting and cookware.  It has been found in the bloodstream of peoples living in the areas which it is made and is known to cause a host of issues like cancer and infertility.

This has always been seen as a problem only to those people who have worked or lived by DuPont plants, as they are the primary manufacturer.  Because of the chemical being seen in large groups of people outside that area, scientists took a look to see where else it may be coming from.  And, they found out.

The chemical is used in the production of food wrappers, which is then leached into the food you eat, according to the Charleston Gazette.

Previous research by Tim Begley of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that chemicals used to make food wrappers grease proof could migrate into some foods.

The new study examined a group of chemicals called polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid diesters, or diPAPs, which are used in food wrapper coatings.

Researchers found the chemicals in the low-parts per billion range, providing a much clearer link between consumer products and human exposure.

Obviously, I feel this is just one more reason to stay away from fast food, or other such items.  Although, not as prevalent as Bisphenol-A or phthalates, this is still a chemical that causes irreprable damage to the body.  More studies will be conducted, and you can be sure a marketing campaign for DuPont will ignite touting the benefits fo PFOA…. in the meantime, you might want to be wary of what your food comes in.

last minute gift

In a last minute gift to chemical manufacturers, the Bush Administration issued a controversial health advisory on drinking water contaminated with a toxic chemical released when making Teflon and other non-stick coatings.

The EPA is “advising people to reduce consumption of water containing more than 0.4 parts per billion of perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA — a level critics say is not strict enough. Studies have shown the chemical, which is linked to cancer, liver damage and birth defects, has built up in human blood throughout the world.”

Many had felt that the acceptable limit had to be reduced down to 0.2 parts per billion, which is why many are saying this is another win for companies such as DuPont, who makes the chemical.  It should be noted that Obama’s pick to head the EPA, reduced the acceptable level to 0.04 ppb in her state of New Jersey, ten times lower than the Federal limits.

PFOA and related chemicals concern other scientists and regulators because the compounds don’t break down and they stay in human blood for at least four years. They have also shown up in foods such as apples, bread, beans and ground beef.  More than likely due to a transfer from the contaminated water.

More information is available through the Chicago Tribune.