July 4th, 2024

Coffee, eggs and white rice linked to higher levels of PFAS in humans

A study links PFAS levels in humans to coffee, eggs, white rice, seafood, and red meat consumption. PFAS are persistent chemicals associated with health risks. Advocates urge environmental protection and varied diets for lower PFAS exposure.

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Coffee, eggs and white rice linked to higher levels of PFAS in humans

A recent study has linked higher levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the human body to the consumption of coffee, eggs, white rice, seafood, and red meat. The research, which analyzed samples from 3,000 pregnant mothers, suggests that coffee and white rice may be more contaminated with PFAS compared to other foods. PFAS are chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and their accumulation in humans. These substances have been associated with various health issues such as cancer, birth defects, and liver disease. The study emphasizes the need for environmental stewardship to prevent PFAS from entering the food chain. Researchers suspect contamination of food items like rice, eggs, and coffee could be due to contaminated soil, water, or feed sources. Public health advocates are calling for a ban on non-essential uses of PFAS to address the widespread contamination issue. The research also suggests that diets high in fruits, whole grains, and dietary fiber are associated with lower levels of PFAS, highlighting the importance of a varied diet to reduce exposure to contaminants in food.

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By @serf - 5 months
i'd be more willing to suspect the cookware than the foods given the sampling method and the particular foods mentioned.

every one of those foods routinely gets thrown into either a plastic contraption or a non-stick pan of some sort.

By @DavideNL - 4 months
I wonder if the bleaching of coffee filters might be a cause…