They are extremely persistent, remain in the environment for a considerable time, can enter the body when they come into contact with the skin, or through ingestion, and there are more than 14,000 of them. Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), are found almost everywhere, from food packaging, cosmetics, and even in water, soil and air.

In addition, they are detected in the blood, in body tissues and are linked to health problems such as thyroid dysfunction, increased risk of cancer, and even difficulties in infant reproduction and development.

Experts are sounding the alarm as the frequent presence of the “forever chemicals” in items prevalent in everyday life may exacerbate the risks, with a new report from the Italian Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE) highlighting at least two more sources of these substances: Non-stick baking paper and microwaveable popcorn packaging.

Thanks to their durability, PFASs are proving useful in creating baking paper that can withstand high temperatures and food fats. However, experts emphasize that it should not be used at a temperature and duration that exceed the manufacturer’s indications, as “forever chemicals” can be released with possible effects on the health of the consumer.

As commented by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Sara Valsecchi, a researcher at the Water Research Institute of the National Research Council (CNR), the traces may be small and do not present acute toxicity, but “they can affect our biological systems, for example by increasing cholesterol or causing kidney and thyroid problems and sometimes – if they accumulate in the brain – even lead to cognitive problems”.

The expert emphasizes that the issue that arises is that the manufacturer is not required to mention their presence on the label, so it is necessary for the competent authorities to speed up the process so that they are listed on the product packaging.

The report highlights a similar problem with microwave popcorn packaging, with experts clearly stating: “Of particular concern is the use of PFAS and other endocrine disruptors in food packaging, from which they can easily be released into food contained in them. Microwave popcorn bags should be avoided.”

Giuseppe Ungerese from Greenpeace Italia, speaking to the same newspaper, called on consumers to only buy baking paper that says it is free of these substances, “PFAS free”, and not to exceed the temperature specified on the package, as well as the time . Additionally, as a more “sustainable” alternative, she suggested the traditional use of butter with flour to keep the mixture from sticking when baking.

According to the report, PFASs have been detected in the tissues of polar bears and other animal species tested on all continents, while they are found in the blood of 95% of people tested on all continents, including members of the Inuit community of Greenland. In addition, as they are water soluble, they can easily migrate from the soil to the groundwater and be transported over long distances contaminating the water network.