COFFEE, eggs, rice and seafood could contain toxic chemicals linked to cancer, a new study suggests. Researchers found people who consumed more of all four typically had higher levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their plasma and breast milk. PFAS are a class of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products - everything from detergents and food packaging to nonstick pans and carpets.
They are often dubbed "forever chemicals" as they don't naturally break down and may never leave the body once consumed. Previous research has linked PFAS to cancer, birth defects, liver disease, high cholesterol , thyroid disease, fertility issues and other serious health problems. The new study, published in Science of the Total Environment , tested samples from 3,000 expectant mums aged 18 to 45 from New Hampshire , US.
Scientists at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College found those who ate more fish or seafood, eggs, coffee and white rice during pregnancy had higher concentrations of PFAS in their plasma and milk. This was still the case after adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle and reproductive factors, as well as the point at which the samples were taken. The presence of chemicals in rice is thought to stem from contaminated soil or agricultural water.
It could also come from the pans used in cooking, the researchers said. For eggs, the culprits could be PFAS-laden sewage sludge used in farming, the feed given to the chickens or the fact m.