Gefährliche Chemikalien: Der unsichtbare Feind in Alltagsprodukten

Fluorchemicals, commonly known as PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are a group of chemical compounds containing stable carbon-fluorine bonds. With more than 10,000 substances falling under this category, PFAS have been linked to various health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects, thyroid and hormone disruption, decreased vaccine efficacy, liver damage, and fertility issues. These chemicals, present in everyday products, not only pollute the environment but also bioaccumulate in human bodies through food packaging.

Such chemicals pose a significant threat to public health, as evidenced by the contamination of former agricultural lands near a 50,000-resident town in Baden-Württemberg. The chemicals leach into the groundwater over time, leading to elevated levels in local populations. PFAS can be found in a wide range of products, including baking paper, disposable cups, fast-food packaging, fire extinguishers, and dental floss, among others.

One concerning aspect is the unintentional presence of PFAS in supposedly environmentally friendly products like paper straws. Studies have shown these toxic substances can be present in alternative, renewable resources such as sugarcane and wheat, even without intentional use during production. The contamination occurs through detached coatings, with compostable disposable tableware being among the most affected. This contamination, when recycled through waste paper, organic waste, or compost, perpetuates the risk to the environment.

With no mandatory labeling for PFAS in products, consumers are advised to be vigilant when purchasing items with anti-stick coatings or water and oil-repellent properties. Recognizing the presence of fluorchemicals is crucial, as indicated by the behavior of a drop of cooking oil. A drop that remains on the surface without being absorbed may suggest the presence of PFAS.

Calls for stringent regulations on PFAS have been made by consumer protection agencies and environmental organizations advocating for a comprehensive ban on the entire chemical group by 2030. However, resistance from German industry associations highlights the challenges in finding equally functional alternatives that do not pose environmental and health risks. In the absence of a political consensus, switching to glass or metal straws and using personal containers for snacking are recommended by consumer protection agencies as interim measures to reduce exposure to PFAS.