Thyroid disease and nonstick chemicals are back in
the news, once again providing a warning that we should all scan our
houses for hidden sources.
In a 2014 study, published in the journal
Epidemology, scientists found that more than 10 percent of people
exposed to drinking water contaminated with perfluoroctanoic acid (or PFOA,
made by DOW Chemical) reported having some sort of thyroid problem.
PFOA is part of a group of problematic nonstick
chemicals that fall into the perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) class, a
family of fluoride-containing chemicals with unique properties that make
things stick- and stain-resistant. The problem is, these compounds don't
break down easily and can readily be found inside of our bodies. Along
with thyroid disease, different PFCs have also been linked to cancer,
infertility, birth defects, and weaker immune systems.
Nonstick Hideout: Dental Floss
Some companies add nonstick chemicals to
floss to make it glide more easily between your teeth.
Avoid it: Don't give up flossing—it's
important. Instead, choose a natural type, like those from
Radius.
Nonstick Hideout: Pots & Pans
Sure, it's great to not have to scrub pots
and pans after cooking. But all of those scratches and chips in
your
nonstick cookware mean you're probably eating nonstick
chemicals along with your meal.
Avoid it: Replace any nicked-up nonstick
cookware with American-made cast-iron, enamel, glass, or
stainless steel pots and pans.
Nonstick Hideout: Your Raincoat
Nonstick chemicals are really good at
repelling water, hence their use in rain gear such as boots,
umbrellas, and raincoats.
Avoid it: For safer outerwear, look for
jackets treated with polyurethane, not nonstick chemicals.
Wax-coated clothing and boots made from real rubber are
increasingly popular safer options.
Need another reason to avoid takeout? Here
you go! Many food containers are coated with nonstick chemicals
to keep grease from leaching through. (You can thank us when you
drop those first five pounds!)
Popcorn companies don't want the grease
bleeding through bags and onto your pants! So most coat the
inside of bags with grease-repellent nonstick chemicals to keep
that oily mix inside of the bag.
Nonstick chemicals hide under names like
Scotchguard, Teflon, Stainmaster, and others. Many nonstick
chemicals are used as treatments to repel anything you might
spill on upholstered couches. Sounds handy, until you realize
the stuff could make you sick.
Avoid it: When shopping for furniture, ask
to make sure it's not coated with a nonstick treatment that
repels stains. If you're in the market for new flooring,
avoid carpeting and opt for untreated hardwood, then finish
yourself with a safer product like
Vermont Natural Coatings.
Nonstick Hideout: Paper Plates
An astounding 64 billions paper cups and
plates are tossed away each year. Aside from the waste factor,
many are also coated with nonstick chemicals to prevent leakage.
Avoid it: Just use regular glasses and
plates instead, and wash them in the dishwasher when you're done
to save water.
Nonstick Hideout: Your Shampoo
Nonstick chemicals could even hide out in
personal care products! Luckily, unlike clothing and
furniture, personal care products must have an ingredients list.
Avoid it: Check ingredient labels for
anything beginning with perfluoro—and avoid it!
Nonstick Hideout: Household Dust
No matter how hard we try to avoid nonstick
chemicals, they'll probably still wind up in our dust because
they're used in so many different products.
Household dust also harbors nasty plastic chemicals, BPA,
and flame retardants.
