Boston — Baby clothes and dog food bags can contain dangerous chemicals.
They are called Forever Chemicals and have been linked to cancer and other serious health problems.Forever chemicals are known as PFAS and are highly toxic.
New tests have found it in baby products (from bedding to clothing to toys) and in dog and cat food packaging from several popular brands.
Pet owner Radarius Jackson said he fears the food he gave his dog Cecilia could be forever slowed down with chemicals.
“It’s kind of scary to find out, actually. I didn’t actually know that,” Jackson said.
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit focused on protecting public health, had independent lab test bags of seven popular pet food brands.
Fluoride was detected in the test. This indicates the presence of her PFAS in all of them, including Cecilia’s kibble.
“That’s what I use. It’s exactly what I use,” Jackson said.
Further testing found specific PFASs in four brands.
“PFAS are so toxic at very low levels that they are a real cause for concern at any level,” said Sidney Evans of the Environmental Working Group.
She said the chemicals accumulate forever in our bodies and pets over time and cannot be broken down in the environment.
“There are quite a few health concerns. Previous studies have shown links between various types of cancer and thyroid problems,” says Evans.
The Pet Food Institute, which represents pet food manufacturers, issued the following statement:
As pet food manufacturers and pet owners themselves, members of the Pet Food Institute are committed to producing safe, nutritious pet food that meets or exceeds all state and federal product safety regulations. PFI understands that some pet owners may have concerns about the presence of PFAS in pet food packaging. For decades, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated certain PFASs for food contact, including use in cookware (such as “Teflon”) and food packaging materials for non-stick, oil and water repellency. It has been approved for use in properties. Before FDA approves a food contact ingredient application, FDA conducts an extensive review of scientific data to ensure that all substances contained in food contact substances are safe for their intended use. It is important to note that it requires the manufacturer to submit. Food packaging with FDA-approved food contact substances is designed and manufactured to protect food safety and integrity, prompting pet food manufacturers to continually seek out superior packaging options from their packaging suppliers. is encouraged. We look forward to the scientific advances and innovations that will make available alternative, scrutinized packaging materials approved by the FDA, like those currently in use. The nonprofit also sent 34 samples of baby products such as clothes, bedding and toys to the lab. Again, all contained fluorine.
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Upon further testing, detectable levels of PFAS were found in 10 samples.
Chemicals will forever end up as dust in our homes that we can breathe in.
The biggest concern is pets and children crawling on the floor.
“And their mouth-to-hand, day-to-day behavior, exploring the world by playing with toys and crawling on the ground, makes them more likely to ingest PFAS,” says Evans. .
“It’s horrible,” said mother and dog owner Sally Baldwin. “And the only thing we can seem to do is educate ourselves.”
US Senator John Ossoff sent a letter to EPA administrators urging the EPA to do more to identify products containing PFAS.
“I am taking this action now because we need to have a clear understanding of whether baby clothes, crib sheets and other products pose a health risk from these PFAS chemicals,” Ossoff said. It is because there is a
Eternal chemicals are found in everything from drinking water to personal care products.
But Evans said we should try to limit exposure.
“All of that will make a difference in your exposure levels, the strain on your body, and ultimately your risk of health effects,” Evans said.
For our pets, Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian, told us to do your homework.
“Never buy foods that have been found to contain these extremely high levels of PFAS and switch to something that will be a healthier alternative for your pet.
That’s what Jackson said he was going to do.
“Now I know what keeps it away, and I’m letting my friends know, ‘Hey, look, don’t use it,'” Jackson said.
Evans says you can reduce your exposure to PFAS by filtering your water.
You can also avoid products that are stain and water resistant as they tend to be more.
You can cook at home and avoid PFAS in food wrappers and takeout containers.
It can also be a regular part of your cleaning routine to keep dust out of your home.
A complete list of EWG test results can be found at:
New Baby Textile Tests Show Concerning Levels of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’
Arguing with Kibble: ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Pet Food Packages Increase Hazards at Home
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