News: Chemicals in junk-food wrappers are leaching into your food

Yet another reason to limit your junk-food habit: Toronto scientists have found that chemicals used to line junk-food wrappers are leaching into the food and being consumed by people.

According to Science Daily, the scientists wanted to understand the ways in which humans are being exposed to perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), compounds that have been found in human blood that result from the the breakdown of chemicals used to make everyday products such as non-stick kitchen pans, water-resistant clothing and food packaging. So they exposed lab rats to polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs), chemicals used to greaseproof food wrappers (think fast food packaging and microwave popcorn bags).

Using results from previous studies that gave them a greater understanding of human exposure to PAPs and what they observed in the rats, the scientists concluded that human metabolism of PAPs could be a major source of people’s exposure to PFCAs. Here’s what UofT researcher Jessica D’eon says about the results in Science Daily:

“This discovery is important because we would like to control human chemical exposure, but this is only possible if we understand the source of this exposure. In addition, some try to locate the blame for human exposure on environmental contamination that resulted from past chemical use rather than the chemicals that are currently in production.”

Kinda makes that bag of microwave popcorn look a little less tempting, huh?

Does learning about studies like this one turn you off pre-packaged treats? Or do you trust that exposure to these chemicals won’t cause you harm?

Related:
‘ 7 healthier fast-food choices
‘ Canada’s worst fast-food meals
‘ Why its hard to say no to comfort food