A recent study highlights that higher levels of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy can lead to weight gain and body fat up to the age of 50, reinforcing the need to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals for better long-term health. health outcomes. Published in *The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*, the research suggests that PFAS exposure during pregnancy could have lasting effects on women’s weight and cardiometabolic health.
PFASs, also known as “forever chemicals”, are man-made substances commonly found in food packaging, cookware, clothing, drinking water and personal care products. These chemicals are known to disrupt hormones and have been linked to health problems such as obesity, infertility and cancer due to their persistence in both the environment and the human body.
“Our study supports the idea that pregnancy is a critical period of PFAS exposure, potentially leading to long-term weight gain and cardiometabolic problems later in life,” explains lead author Dr. Jordan Burdeau from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. . Researchers followed 547 women, assessing their PFAS levels during early pregnancy and tracking their health outcomes at age 50. Those with higher levels of PFAS were more likely to weigh more and carry excess body fat, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity later in life.
Dr. Burdeau emphasizes that limiting exposure to PFAS during pregnancy can help reduce these risks. Co-authors of the study include experts from Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Columbia University. The research was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Here are 6 ways to avoid PFAS:
- Check the labels on the products: Avoid items labeled stain-resistant, water-repellent, DWR, or non-stick, as they may contain PFAS.
- Stop using non-stick cookware: Instead of using Teflon or other non-stick pans, choose alternatives such as stainless steel or cast iron. And yes, your fryer may have PFAS built into the design. Be sure to check if it uses a non-stick coating on the basket.
- Avoid fast food packaging: While fast food wrappers and packaging containing the so-called forever chemicals must no longer be sold in the US, some smaller chains may use PFAS-treated microwave popcorn wrappers, containers and bags.
- Use safer cleaning and personal care products: Many cleansing sprays, makeup and Dental floss may contain PFAS. Choose natural or eco-friendly brands that avoid these chemicals.
- Filter your drinking water: Use a high-quality water filter (such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters) that is certified to reduce PFAS levels.
- Choose PFAS-free fabrics: Avoid waterproof fabrics in clothing, carpets and upholstery unless labeled as PFAS-free.
Many companies in various industries are actively removing PFAS from their products due to growing concerns about their effects on the environment and health.
Some notable companies that have committed to or have already phased out PFAS include:
1. 3M
- In 2022, 3M announced plans to phase out PFAS from its products by 2025. The company has faced pressure over its role in producing these chemicals and is now turning to alternatives. 3M is one of the largest PFAS manufacturers in the world, with annual sales of $1.3 billion.
2. DuPont
- Dupont is reportedly phasing out some PFAS chemicals in response to regulatory and consumer demands. The company is researching alternative technologies to replace these substances in its products.
3. Gore-Tex
- Gore-Tex, known for its waterproof and breathable fabrics, has switched to non-PFAS materials for its waterproof membrane called ePE. The brand began phasing out PFAS in its products a few years ago, with complete elimination in some product lines.
4. Win
- Nike is working to eliminate PFAS in its clothing and footwear by developing environmentally friendly materials and alternatives for water repellency.
5. Patagonia
- Patagonia is among the outdoor brands that have moved to eliminate PFAS from their clothing and gear. They aim to fully transition to PFAS-free products, especially in their waterproof and durable fabrics.
6. IKEA
- IKEA has committed to eliminating PFAS from its entire product range, including home textiles and kitchenware, by 2024. The company has already made significant progress in switching to safer alternatives.
7. Panera Bread
- Panera Bread has removed PFAS from its food packaging, including wrappers and containers, and is committed to more sustainable packaging materials.
8. Chipotle
- Chipotle removed PFAS from its fiber-based packaging in 2020, part of its broader initiative to offer safer and more sustainable packaging solutions.
9. Keurig Dr Pepper
- The drinks company has announced its intention to eliminate PFAS from food and drink packaging, with plans to implement safer materials.
10. Trader Joe’s
- Trader Joe’s has replaced PFAS in its food packaging with safer alternatives as part of its eco-friendly packaging initiative.
It’s worth noting that footwear companies like Keen don’t use PFAS in their design, and others like Timberland are currently in the process of removing the chemicals from existing and future styles.
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