A new study has identified white rice, coffee, eggs, and seafood as foods associated with higher levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in the human body. Researchers analysed samples from 3,000 pregnant women and found that those who consumed more of these items had elevated concentrations of PFAS in their plasma and breast milk.
The study, led by Dartmouth researcher Megan Romano, is among the first to suggest that coffee and white rice may be contaminated at higher rates than other foods. It also found a link between red meat consumption and levels of PFOS, one of the most common and dangerous PFAS compounds. Romano noted the findings highlight the ubiquity of these 'forever chemicals' and the need for environmental stewardship to keep them out of the food chain.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of about 16,000 compounds used in water-, stain-, and heat-resistant products. They do not break down naturally and accumulate in humans, linked to cancer, birth defects, liver disease, and other serious health issues. While regulators have focused on water pollution, food is thought to be the most common exposure route.
The researchers suspect contamination occurs through various pathways: for rice, it may stem from contaminated soil or agricultural water; for eggs, backyard chickens might be exposed via table scraps or PFAS-tainted sewage sludge used as fertiliser; coffee could be contaminated through beans, brewing water, or treated filters; and seafood is widely affected due to water pollution.
Public health advocates call for a ban on non-essential uses of PFAS. Romano added that diets high in fruit, whole grains, and fibre were associated with lower PFAS levels, and a varied diet can help reduce exposure to multiple contaminants.
