A recent study highlights that higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy may lead to increased weight gain and body fat by age 50, reinforcing the need to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals for better long-term 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.
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are man-made substances commonly found in food packaging, cookware, clothing, drinking water, and personal care items. 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 issues later in life,” explains Dr. Jordan Burdeau, lead author from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The researchers followed 547 women, assessing their PFAS levels during early pregnancy and tracking their health outcomes at age 50. Those with higher PFAS levels were more likely to weigh more and carry excess body fat, increasing their risk of heart disease and obesity later in life.
Dr. Burdeau emphasizes that limiting PFAS exposure during pregnancy may help reduce these risks. The study’s co-authors 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 labels on products: Avoid items labeled as 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, opt for alternatives like stainless steel, or cast iron. And yes, your air fryer may have PFAS incorporated into the design. Be sure to check if it uses a non-stick coating in the basket.
- Avoid fast food packaging: While Fast-food wrappers and packaging that contain so-called forever chemicals are no longer supposed to be sold in the U.S., some smaller chains may be using wrappers, containers, and microwave popcorn bags that are treated with PFAS.
- Use safer cleaning and personal care products: Many cleaning sprays, makeup, and dental floss can contain PFAS. Opt for 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 textiles: Avoid water-resistant fabrics in clothing, carpets, and upholstery unless they’re labeled as PFAS-free.
Many companies across various industries have been actively removing PFAS from their products due to growing concerns about their environmental and health impacts.
Some notable companies that have committed to removing or have already removed PFAS include:
1. 3M
- In 2022, 3M announced plans to phase out PFAS from its products by 2025. The company has faced pressure due to its role in producing these chemicals and is now shifting toward alternative solutions. 3M is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of PFAS, accounting for $1.3 billion in annual sales revenue.
2. Dupont
- Dupont has been reportedly phasing out certain PFAS chemicals in response to regulatory and consumer demands. The company has been researching alternative technologies to replace these substances in their products.
3. Gore-Tex
- Gore-Tex, known for its waterproof and breathable fabrics, has transitioned to non-PFAS materials for its waterproof membrane called ePE. The brand began phasing out PFAS in its products a few years ago, with full elimination in certain product lines.
4. Nike
- Nike has been working toward eliminating PFAS in its apparel and footwear by developing eco-friendly materials and alternatives for water-repellent properties.
5. Patagonia
- Patagonia is among the outdoor brands that have moved to eliminate PFAS from its clothing and gear. They aim to transition completely to PFAS-free products, especially in their water-resistant and durable fabrics.
6. IKEA
- IKEA has pledged to eliminate 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 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 beverage company has announced its intention to eliminate PFAS from its food and beverage 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 is worth noting that footwear companies like Keen do not use PFAS in their design, and other companies like Timberland are currently in the process of removing the chemicals from the existing and future styles.
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