This week Coca-cola is being sued over their juice being found to be contaminated with toxic PFAS at levels “hundreds of times” above federal advisory limits for drinking water.
It is not sure if the PFAS came from the added water, the packaging or the fruit itself.
What exactly is a PFAS?
Known as a forever chemicals -highly toxic fluorinated compounds. Found in non-stick, waterproof, and stain-resistant compounds.
"PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of chemicals that companies add to a wide variety of consumer products to make them non-stick, waterproof, and stain-resistant. There are currently more than 9,000 different PFAS chemicals, making them among the most ubiquitous synthetic chemicals in the world."
Some examples include: teflon pans, fire fighting foam, gortex in raincoats and stain master for carpets.
"Old" PFAS (long chained) Linked to cancer, low sperm quality, obesity, cancer, thyroid disease, weakened childhood immunity and more.
New PFAS (shorter chained) still bad! Also persistent in environment In food and water.
How to reduce your exposure?
In your personal life:
Avoid stain-resistant carpets and upholstery, as well as stain-resistant treatments and waterproofing sprays.
Avoid products with the ingredient PTFE or other “fluoro” ingredients listed on the label.
Choose cookware made of cast iron, stainless steel, glass, or enamel instead of Teflon.
Filter your drinking water with an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filtration system.
Eat more fresh foods to avoid take-out containers and other food packaging.
Avoid microwave popcorn and greasy foods wrapped in paper.
Look for nylon or silk dental floss that is uncoated or coated in natural wax.
In your community:
Tell retailers and manufacturers you want products made without PFAS.
Urge your local water utility to test for PFAS.
Ask your state legislators to set up a statewide water and blood testing program.
Encourage your state to follow the lead of other states in creating more health protective drinking water limits.
Ask your elected officials to support restrictions on PFAS in consumer products and remediation of contaminated sites.
Find out about local groups working to protect water quality by visiting: https://www-pfas.pfas-exchange.org/connecting-communities/
Elimination:
It's difficult to remove and eliminating exposure is going to be the best method.
Menstrating women are able to clear PFAS better (losing blood each month). Donating blood would seem to be helpful if you are able. (Therapeutic phebotomy). A clinical study done in Australia showed plasma donation reduced PFAS levels in firefighters.
Cholestyamine- is an intervention that has shown to be helpful. Binder Pro with the exposure might also be helpful.
When I want some orange juice my favorite orange juice is from Erin Ann's but usually I opt for a green juice! You know me! :)
In health,
Dr. Jen
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