Christmas is one of the most special times of the year. A chance to relax and recharge your batteries surrounded by your family and friends. Recently, PFAS has been in the news a lot and for all the wrong reasons. So, here’s our handy guide to reducing or eliminating PFAS from your Christmas celebrations this year.
First, some background on PFAS
PFAS are a group of chemicals that are extensively used in domestic and industrial settings due to their useful properties. Chances are, if something is described as waterproof, stain resistant, or greaseproof, it is because it has been coated with PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, to give them their full name, are called forever chemicals because they are so chemically stable. This means they take a long time to break down in the environment and in the body. Some studies suggest certain PFAS could take decades to break down.
Why PFAS are a problem
As with many manmade chemicals, we are only now realizing just how toxic PFAS are to humans and the environment. Multiple studies have shown that PFAS are linked with serious health conditions. These include cancers, cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, and issues that affect newborns, such as low birth weight. Other studies link PFAS with reduced male fertility.
Reducing PFAS in your Christmas dinner
PFAS can make its way into your food in a multitude of ways. Avoiding it completely is pretty hard, but you can take some simple steps to reduce your exposure.
Cookware
Almost all non-stick cookware and bakeware is treated with PFAS compounds to provide the non-stick properties. Even some pans that claim to be PFAS-free may in fact be using chemicals in the same broad family. If you have non-stick pans you might want to consider replacing them with ones that are definitely PFAS-free, especially if there is any visible damage. Good alternatives include traditional cast iron, stainless steel, enamel, and modern ceramic coated pans.
Food packaging
Baking is a key tradition at Christmas. But your modern baking parchment is probably coated in PFAS to make it non-stick. Instead, consider using silicone mats, although there is a suggestion that some silicone bakeware is also a potential health risk. If you are really worried, do what your Nana would have, and use traditional baking paper and plenty of butter or margarine to get the same non-stick effect!
Many other types of food packaging are also covered in PFAS. This is especially true of “eco” paper and card packaging, which often uses PFAS to make the packaging greaseproof, non-stick, or even waterproof. You might also be tempted by take out during the mad hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. But again, there’s a high chance that your food comes wrapped in PFAS!
Produce
One of the most sneaky ways PFAS gets into your food is through the fresh and frozen produce you buy and cook. Studies in the UK showed that more than half of tested fruit and vegetables were contaminated with PFAS. And if that’s the case there, likely it is just as bad in the US. This is primarily because PFAS is added to pesticides to help them stick to plants, taking advantage of another of the unique properties of PFAS. One way to reduce the risk is to use organic produce. Another is to grow your own.
Cutting PFAS in drinks
PFAS crops up in a surprising number of drinks as well as your food. But why is that, and what can you do to avoid it?
Water
As we already implied, environmental PFAS contamination is rife. As a result, many groundwater sources are contaminated with PFAS. Estimates suggest that about 100M US residents have contaminated water supplies at home. This includes well water and municipal water supplies. Sadly, many bottled waters are also contaminated because they come from sources that are themselves contaminated. You can reduce your risk by checking if your water supply is known to be contaminated, and if so, fitting a high-efficiency filter. Many other drinks are also contaminated with PFAS. For instance, wine can contain PFAS from the pesticides used on the vines. Again, you may be better off choosing organic options when possible.
Drinks containers
Just like take out food, take out drinks are also a source of PFAS. This is because cardboard drinks containers include a microscopic layer of PFAS to make them waterproof. Some other drinks containers may also contain PFAS either on purpose, or through supply chain contamination. Your best bet here is to use proper reusable drinks cups and glasses if you can.
Other sources of PFAS to watch out for at Christmas
PFAS makes its way into all manner of unexpected places. Here are 5 things to avoid if you want to reduce your PFAS exposure:
- Stain resistant coatings on furniture. Think twice before you buy that new sofa or carpet this Christmas. It may be nice being able to just wipe away stains. But is it worth risking your health for the added convenience?
- Furniture and floor polishes. We all want the house to look at its best for guests. But all too many modern furniture and floor polishes contain PFAS. This is to provide a dustproof and splash resistant surface. Maybe consider using traditional alternatives, like beeswax or shellac.
- Waterproof clothing. Almost any waterproofs that advertise a “breathable waterproof membrane” are made from PFAS. Likewise, the durable water repellant coating (DWR) on the outside. Fortunately, a few manufacturers are now selling truly PFAS-free waterproofs. Maybe treat you or your loved ones to one of those this festive season!
- Dental floss and flossers. Many brands of floss and related products contain PFAS. Sometimes, it has been added on purpose, other times it just makes its way into the process through contamination. Either way, do you really want to be flossing with toxic chemicals?!
- Cosmetics. Many people gift cosmetics at Christmas. But did you know that many cosmetic products contain PFAS compounds? This is particularly true for products like lip gloss or mascara that claim to be long-lasting. Before you buy something for that special someone, have a look at Mamavation's list of PFAS-free products.
Give the gift of knowledge
If you are worried about PFAS exposure for you and your family, consider taking a home test for PFAS. Our convenient test kits only need a few drops of blood to identify 18 different PFAS compounds. Order for you or your loved one today using code XMASLOVE to get $15 off through to the end of January 2025.
Note, Relentless Health PFAS tests are only suitable for over 18s and are not available to residents of NY.
