Latest news with #Mamavation
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Investigation finds dangerous substance in samples of popular beverage: 'Very problematic to human health'
A test of a handful of popular chamomile tea brands found toxic "forever chemicals" in the bags of more than half of the samples. Consumer watchdog group Mamavation sent 13 chamomile teas from 13 popular brands to an Environmental Protection Agency-certified laboratory to test for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals." Tea leaves from seven of these samples had detectable levels of PFAS, with four of them containing quantifiable levels. The most common type of PFAS detected was PFBA. In addition, three of the tea bags tested positive for fluorine, a combination of inorganic fluoride and potential PFAS. Mamavation noted that this was not the first time PFAS has been detected in tea, pointing to a number of studies, including one of its own that found detectable PFAS in 91% of Earl Grey teas sampled. "It's disappointing to find PFAS inside chamomile tea," said Scientist Emeritus and Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program at Duke University, per Mamavation. "This relaxing tea is used by millions of people around the world, and exposure to these hormone-disrupting chemicals is very problematic to human health. Let's hope these companies address this issue." PFAS refers to a group of thousands of human-made chemicals that can be found in household items such as non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing, along with firefighting foams. These chemicals are persistent in the environment following human use, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a number of health concerns, including certain types of cancer, developmental delays in children, and decreased ability of the immune system to do its job, per the EPA. That said, we do not know the full range of dangers linked with PFAS, and new discoveries are being made all the time. For example, one study found that exposure to these chemicals can alter the expression of certain genes within the brain. Another paper tied PFAS to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. Meanwhile, these chemicals are all around us, as they have made their way into our water supplies, food, air, and soil. In fact, one study found that more than 20% of Americans may be exposed to PFAS-laced tap water. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry asserts that most Americans already have these chemicals in their blood. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Though PFAS have earned the moniker "forever chemicals," scientists have recently discovered some groundbreaking methods to help break them down in water. For instance, one University of Illinois team found a way to remove the full spectrum of PFAS from water in a single process. Plus, certain states are enacting legislation to protect citizens from PFAS — New Hampshire recently banned ski, board, and boat waxes containing these chemicals. Meanwhile, the EPA has a strategic plan to address PFAS, but it's unclear how the agency will move forward under the Trump administration. For instance, Environmental Health News recently reported that public health advocates are worried that the administration could continue to weaken drinking water standards for these chemicals, as it already withdrew a Biden administration plan for PFAS drinking water regulations in January. You can help reduce your exposure by purchasing from PFAS-free brands, opting for nonstick cookware, and limiting your purchases of stain- or water-resistant clothing. If you're a chamomile tea lover, Mamavation recommends Celestial Seasonings Chamomile Herbal Tea, From Great Origins (FGO) Organic Chamomile Tea Bags, RISHI Chamomile Medley Organic Botanical Blend Tea Sachet, Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile Caffeine-Free Herbal Infusion Tea, and TAZO Organic Calm Chamomile Herbal Tea, which all tested negative for PFAS and fluorine in the latest study. The group also listed the results for the other teas tested on its website. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Food expert issues urgent warning over health risks lurking within common kitchen item: 'We only have the testing capability to identify fewer than 1% of them'
Parchment paper is a handy tool for baking and cooking, but it could be leaching dangerous "forever chemicals" into your food, according to one expert. While nonstick pans have gotten a lot of bad press lately over concerns of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, many parchment paper brands use these same chemicals to enhance their nonstick and moisture-resistant properties, Forks Over Knives reported. The publication sat down with Leah Segedie, a consumer advocate dubbed "The PFAS Hunter" by Consumer Reports, who tests parchment papers and other consumer products for these substances. "There have been over 15,000 PFAS chemicals released into the environment, but we only have the testing capability to identify fewer than 1% of them," Segedie told the publication, explaining the challenges of her work. Her team at the site she founded, Mamavation, uses organic fluorine testing, a widely accepted method, to determine if products have PFAS. Because these chemicals can be found all around us, Forks Over Knives explained, trace amounts can make their way into products without necessarily having been added by the manufacturer. While food-grade paper products containing fewer than 100 parts per million are generally considered to have no intentionally added PFAS, Segedie said she looks for parchment paper brands that have no more than 10 parts per million. PFAS exposure is a growing concern in the public health sphere. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, most Americans have PFAS in their blood, as these chemicals can also be found everywhere, including in everyday household items like water-resistant clothing and non-stick cookware. While scientists are still investigating the health impacts of PFAS, a number of studies have revealed jarring results. For example, one paper found that exposure to PFAS can alter the expressions of certain genes within the brain. Another study tied these chemicals to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. Plus, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency asserts that exposure to PFAS could lead to increased risk of some cancers, developmental delays in children, and reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections. Segedie gave Forks Over Knives her choices for safest parchment papers. Her top recommendation is uncoated parchment paper such as Baar Patapar Cooking Parchment Paper. She also suggested silicone-coated options like King Arthur Natural Half-Sheet Baking Parchment Paper. How often do you worry about toxic chemicals getting into your home? Always Often Sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Another good option is certified compostable parchment paper, Segedie says. She also recommends against reusing coated parchment paper more than once, as it will continue to leach the substances it has been coated with. If you're a parchment paper enthusiast, it's also worth experimenting with using light coatings of oil — bought in a non-plastic container, of course, which is also just better for reducing waste, as aluminum and glass containers are infinitely recyclable. If it's a spray, look for one with no propellant, and in both cases, lean organic to lower risk for traces of pesticides. Beyond these adjustments, you can take further actions to protect yourself from PFAS by looking for PFAS-free brands, opting for naturally stick-resistant cookware made without PFAS (such as ceramics from Caraway), and limiting your purchases of stain- or water-resistant clothing. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawsuit targets billion-dollar corporation over deceptive marketing: 'It really adds to the burden of health inequities'
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Johnson & Johnson and independent health company Kenvue for selling bandages containing PFAS chemicals. The lawsuit brings up the issue of disparity in health treatment offered to communities of color in the U.S., as the bandages in question were from the OURTONE collection, marketed to people of color. A class-action lawsuit was filed after a watchdog group, Mamavation, found that 63% of bandages marketed to people of color contained unhealthy levels of PFAS chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are known as "forever chemicals." Three of the four bandages offered by Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue contained PFAS, and both companies are accused of concealing the presence of PFAS in the bandages. "These companies spent time positioning it as a step toward empowering people of color, but in reality it puts these communities at risk," Seeger Weiss attorney and co-lead counsel Chris Ayers said in a statement in the lawsuit. "Millions of Americans have trusted Band-Aid products to help them heal and they never imagined that they contained these harmful, toxic chemicals." Johnson & Johnson has not yet responded with a comment to the press. Kenvue — which spun off from J&J in 2023 with brands including Band-Aid, Aveeno, and Benadryl — responded, saying, "Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages are safe, and consumers can continue to use the products as directed." PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because of their near-indestructible nature, both in the environment and in the human body. PFAS chemicals are used for their waterproof qualities and, therefore, don't break down in our waterways. Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to health effects, including liver damage, thyroid disease, asthma, and cancer. Communities of color are already disproportionately affected by environmental hazards as these communities are more likely to be near factories, farmland, and chemical plants, statistically. Women of color are also more affected by hazardous ingredients in beauty products, according to the Guardian, citing harsher products like hair relaxers and skin-lightening creams. "If these communities are being exposed to PFAS, it really adds to the burden of health inequities that already exist," Ayers added. The EPA has been working on a national strategy to reduce PFAS chemicals overall. Some policy changes have included further water testing in both public and private waterways, removal of products with PFAS chemicals in federal buildings, and adding nine more chemicals to the RCRA hazardous constituent list. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In your daily life, you can also reduce PFAS chemicals by switching to non-Teflon cookware, reading the ingredients before buying new beauty products, and reducing your meat intake. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Report finds dangerous health risk lurking in everyday clothing item: 'Skin exposure poses similar health risks as ingesting'
An everyday clothing item could present an underlying danger due to the detected presence of harmful chemicals. According to a report from the environmental wellness blog and community Mamavation revealed that seven out of 14 bras tested "have detectable levels of fluorine, an indicator of toxic PFAS." PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they effectively do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in our bodies. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Mamavation had previously conducted a study released in 2022 that found evidence of PFAS in sports bras from popular brands such as Adidas, Champion, and Nike. The latest study included everyday bras in a range of sizes, materials, and support levels, with testing conducted by an EPA-certified lab. Any clothing that had more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of fluorine was flagged for the possible presence of PFAS, and the bras that were found to have detectable levels of fluorine ranged from 16 ppm to 49 ppm. Brands with the highest levels of detectable fluorine included Fruit of the Loom, Nuudii, and Woobilly, while bras from Bali Intimates, Cottonique, Honeylove, Leading Lady, Molke, Playtex, and Shapermint were among those with the lowest levels. The potential presence of PFAS in bras is just one of many examples of how the general public can be exposed to these chemicals without even knowing it. Continued exposure to PFAS could have dire consequences, as certain PFAS have been linked to several health concerns, including cancer, fertility issues, and increased risks of asthma and thyroid disease. noted that it remains "unclear what exposure to PFAS through clothing means for humans." However, it cited lab research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health that determined "PFAS skin exposure poses similar health risks as ingesting some of these chemicals via food or water." While the findings from the Mamavation report didn't directly prove that bras contain PFAS, fluorine is a "strong indicator" that the chemicals are present, according to Both Mamavation and are part of "an ongoing effort" to identify PFAS in common consumer products, and there has already been evidence that the chemicals are present in everyday items such as workout and yoga pants, toilet paper, condoms and makeup. If you're looking to avoid coming into contact with PFAS, one approach is to be mindful of the brands and types of clothing you purchase. Exploring secondhand markets or trusted labels with transparent manufacturing practices can be a great way to stay stylish while minimizing exposure to harmful substances. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
