Recent media reports say processed meat and butter consumers are likely to have increased levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood. The report is based on peer-reviewed research.

PFAS are a group of approximately 15,000 compounds commonly found in stain-, heat- or water-resistant materials. They are also known as “forever chemicals” because the compounds do not break down over time.

The research showed food contamination resulting from greaseproof food wrappers, some plastics, pesticides, or crops from farms that use fertilizer that has been tainted with PFAS.

As part of the process, researchers compared PFAS levels of common fast-food items when prepared in a restaurant against the same items prepared at home. They found increased PFAS levels in food prepared in a restaurant, which suggests grease-proof food packaging may increase PFAS exposure.

While processed foods and certain materials may increase PFAS levels in blood, the same may not be true for processed beverages. The study showed people who drink more sugared beverages, fruit drinks and soda have lower levels of PFAS.

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers how to regulate PFAS in drinking water, it is important that responsible parties are held accountable for PFAS contamination. If water systems are forced to absorb those costs, they likely will be ultimately borne by consumers.

If you have questions about your water quality, go straight to the source. Your water provider can tell you where your water comes from, how it’s treated, and whether a home treatment device might help with taste or quality concerns. You’ll also be better positioned to interpret what is helpful and what is not in advocacy reports.