According to a new research published in the latest edition of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, pizza boxes carry chemicals that are dangerous to human health.
The scientists who conducted the research warn against these chemicals called Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl, saying that they are usually used for preventing grease from leaking through the boxes.
The researchers fear that these two chemicals could be responsible for several health conditions and are trying to get them restricted from being used in the future.
According to scientists, these chemicals, also known as PFAs, are usually utilized in different products because they are very resistant to high temperatures. They also help increase the shelf life and durability of certain items.
PFAs are also used because they act as very potent water and oil repellents.
Although companies that produced the PFAs claim that the chemicals are perfectly safe and should not be considered a threat for human health, researchers say that several studies have proved PFAs are actually not that safe.
More than 200 researcher from 38 countries said that these two chemicals used in pizza boxes are harmful for human health. The two PFAs were chosen as replacement after similar chemicals that had the same structure were banned from being used.
The researchers claim that a harmful PFA was replaced with another one that has remained uncertified and that happened because the United States legislation is flawed. Because of this, harmful chemicals get approved without too much testing.
One of the most studied PFA chemical is Teflon. According to the experts, Teflon was used 50 years ago and studies have shown that the chemical had been responsible for enlarged livers in rabbits and rats.
Also, scientists claim that Teflon was one of the causes that led to cancer.
In 2005, the US Environmental Protection Agency fined DuPont with $16.5 million because the company failed to reveal the hazardous effects on human health of some of its PFAs.
A number of PFAs will be restricted from usage this year. However, the experts worry that the PFAs that are going to be banned will be replaced by others that are as dangerous.
Arlene Blum, a researcher at the University of California, said that authorities have the responsibility to ban these chemicals and not replace them with other PFAs that have not been certified as safe.
Studies suggest that PFAs can remain in people’s bodies for years and can cause serious health problems, including cancer.
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