[en] Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that have been widely used by various industries, including the food contact material industry. These substances are favoured for their ability to repel oil and resist moisture. However, exposure to PFAS has been linked to several health problems, including effects on the immune system. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), food contact materials (FCM) are likely to contribute to human exposure to PFAS. Therefore, this study investigated the exposure to PFAS from FCM. One hundred and ten FCM made of paper and board (e.g. straws, cups, bowls, boxes etc.), sugar cane or wheat pulp-based FCM, called paper analogues (e.g., cup, bowls, plates, hamburger boxes etc.) were carefully selected on the Belgian market and investigated using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometery. Out of the 25 PFAS targeted, 11 were detected in the samples, mainly perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTrDA) and PFOS. It was found that all of the paper analogue samples contained PFAS, while 43% of the paper and board samples showed the presence of these chemicals. Except for one sample, most detections suggest contamination rather than intentional use. Finally, a risk assessment was conducted, which revealed potential risks for consumers related to a coffee cup made of paper and board and a food tray made of sugar cane.
Disciplines :
Chemistry
Author, co-author :
Di Mario, Mélanie ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Molecular Systems (MolSys) ; Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: melanie.dimario@sciensano.be
Bernard, Laurent; Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: Laurent.Bernard@sciensano.be
Legros, Matthieu; Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: Matthieu.Legros@sciensano.be
Peltier, Florian; Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: Florian.Peltier@sciensano.be
Ciano, Salvatore; Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: Salvatore.Ciano@sciensano.be
Goscinny, Séverine ; Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: Severine.Goscinny@sciensano.be
Focant, Jean-François ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de chimie (sciences) > Chimie analytique, organique et biologique
Van Hoeck, Els ; Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: Els.Vanhoeck@sciensano.be
Language :
English
Title :
Risks associated with the presence of PFAS in FCM: An investigation of the Belgian market.
This study was funded by the Belgian Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment (MIGRACARTO, FLUOREX (RT 21/6350), TREFCOM (RT 21/4)).
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