Did you know that there are 14,000 chemicals allowed in our food supply? Many of those are not even listed in the ingredients! Which are the worst? That might be open for debate but here are a few to know about:
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PDEs)
What is it used for? It is most commonly used as a flame retardant.
Where is it found? PDEs can be found in “…high-fat foods such as fish, meat, and eggs, since PBDEs accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals. Farmed salmon, which are fed a diet high in fatty fish oils, have been found to contain higher PBDE concentrations than wild salmon.”
What does it damage? PDEs build up in human fat tissue and can cause damage to the nervous system, liver and kidneys, sexual dysfunction, thyroid problems and brain disorders.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
What is it used for? BPA is primarily used in making plastic to make them more durable.
Where is it found? It can be found in the lining of aluminum cans and canned goods as well as hard plastic bowls and has been shown to leak into foods prepared or stored therein. Plastic containers with type 7 or type 3 are higher in BPA. BPAs are especially released when heated such as in the microwave.
What does is damage? The unborn and young children are especially sensitive to BPA as it may affect brain development, prostate gland and/or behavior. BPA has also been linked to obesity, thyroid function (it’s an endocrine disruptor) and neurological disorders.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
What is it used for? It is a synthetic stable acid as well as fluorocarbon (water repellent) used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, certain food packaging and other heat-resistant products.
Where is it found? PFOAs were developed for and are used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, certain food packaging and other heat-resistant products.
What does it damage? PFOAs are associated with infertility, higher cholesterol, and thyroid disease as well as birth defects, increased cancer rates, and changes to lipid levels, the immune system and liver.
What is it used for? It is a water-soluble chemical carcinogen used in water treatment facilities as well as paper production and also occurs when carbohydrate foods are cooked at high temperatures.
Where is it found? French fries, fried chicken, coffee, plastics, cosmetics and water treatment products have all been shown to contain Acrylamide.
What does it damage? Repetitive exposure is link to causing cancer and neurological dysfunction.
Mercury
What is it used for? Mercury is a metal and a liquid used as a preservative, laxative and antiseptic.
Where is it found? It can be found in medications, cosmetics, fish and shellfish.
What does it damage? Mercury is linked to brain damage especially in unborn and young children. Some suspect that Mercury could be related to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Leave a Reply