Study Finds Harmful Chemicals in Fast Food Packaging
Paper products used to serve food contain chemicals linked to diverse health risks.
According to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, paper products used to serve fast food such as fried chicken, French fries, and more contain chemicals linked to diverse health risks.
The study didn't determine whether those chemicals can transfer over to the food, but other studies have shown it is likely to happen if the food is hot and greasy. The chemicals resist oil, water, heat, and stains and are resistant to breaking down in the environment.
The study determined that a third of fast-food packaging contained fluorinated chemicals, including 57 percent of Tex-Mex food packaging. Some of the businesses with products tested in the study include Taco Bell, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, and McDonalds.
Arlene Blum of the Green Science Policy Institute has advocated for replacing the entire class of highly fluorinated chemicals.