An analysis of government data has revealed that more than half of the food samples in the UK, including fruits, vegetables, and spices, contain alarming levels of ‘forever’ chemicals. This was uncovered by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), which scrutinised the results from the government’s testing programme on residues. It was discovered that food items destined for supermarket shelves in the UK were tainted with at least 10 different PFAS chemicals.
The examination brought to light particularly disturbing findings, such as the presence of PFAS pesticides in at least 95 per cent of the strawberry samples from the UK that were tested. Grapes and cherries weren’t spared either, with over half of the samples tested for the government programme showing contamination.
The detrimental effects of PFAS chemicals on both the environment and human health are increasingly being supported by scientific evidence. Research has indicated that exposure to certain PFAS chemicals can reduce fertility, hinder childhood development, and has been associated with various forms of cancer.
Yet, the government’s data continues to demonstrate the widespread presence of PFAS chemicals in everyday food items available in the UK.
This situation has spurred campaigners to demand more rigorous actions to reduce human exposure to these chemicals. They are advocating for a prohibition on the use of PFAS pesticides in the production of food in the UK.
Nick Mole, a Policy Officer at Pan UK, emphasized the unique risk posed by pesticides, stating, “Pesticides are the only chemicals that are designed to be toxic and then released intentionally into the environment.” He criticised the UK government for its delayed response in addressing the adverse effects of PFAS, which so far has focused only on industrial chemicals and overlooked pesticides. “PFAS pesticides are absolutely unnecessary for growing food and are an easily avoidable source of PFAS pollution. Getting rid of them would be a massive win for consumers, farmers, and the environment.”
But what exactly are PFAS, and how concerned should individuals be about them?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, encompass around 10,000 chemicals known for their resistance to oil and water. These chemicals have been in use since the 1940s in a variety of products, including non-stick cookware and packaging materials. They are also used in the production of stain-resistant fabrics for clothing and carpets.
The durability of PFAS chemicals, attributed to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, has earned them the moniker ‘forever chemicals’. This resilience means that PFAS chemicals, once released into the environment through household drains or industrial effluents, persist indefinitely.
Recent studies have heightened concerns, demonstrating the potential for PFAS chemicals to infiltrate water systems, drinking supplies, and even the food chain.
Despite some PFAS chemicals being recognized as toxic, there remains significant industrial pushback against legislation aimed at curbing their use. In the United States, for instance, the chemicals industry spent substantial sums last year to thwart legislative efforts to restrict PFAS usage.
The Royal Society of Chemistry has highlighted the risks associated with some PFAS chemicals, including their potential to cause cancer, thyroid disorders, fertility issues, and developmental defects in unborn children. Although further research is called for, the growing body of evidence points to the adverse health impacts of certain PFAS chemicals.
The issue of PFAS contamination extends beyond individual health risks, affecting communities, wildlife, and even global climate dynamics. Efforts are underway in various countries, including several EU member states and the United States, to legislate against the widespread use of PFAS. Measures range from proposing outright bans to imposing restrictions on their presence in drinking water.
Concerns over PFAS in water supplies have led to questions about the effectiveness of water filtration systems in removing these chemicals. The EPA has endorsed reverse osmosis filters as being highly effective, while some carbon-based filters also offer a degree of protection against the most harmful PFAS chemicals. Nevertheless, in the UK, water companies are not mandated to filter out PFAS chemicals unless they are classified as ‘high risk’.
