What Are PFAs? Health Risks and How To Reduce Your PFA Intake

The idea that chemicals are in our drinking water, food, processed meat, and tea bags is very concerning. You may have heard the term PFAS or “forever chemicals” thrown around, but most of us don’t know the true extent to which these chemicals have infiltrated our environment, food, and everyday products like toiletries. 

In this article, we’ll explore PFAS, their possible health effects, and what you can do to avoid them as much as possible. 

What Are PFAS?

PFAS, or poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are long-lasting chemicals known as forever chemicals that break down very slowly. They’re found in the water, air, soil, fish, and even our bodies and may cause harmful health effects in humans and animals. 

Unfortunately, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), thousands of PFAS chemicals are found in commercial, consumer, and industrial products, even our food. 

So, why is this a bad thing? According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, studies have linked PFAS to cancers, thyroid disease, liver damage, high cholesterol, asthma, allergies, and lowered vaccine response in kids. Some studies have also linked PFAs to reduced fertility rates, newborn deaths, birth defects, low birth weight, and delayed development. 

Where Are PFAS Found? 

These “forever chemicals” are found in so many everyday products, including food packaging, cosmetics, toilet paper, and clothing. 

Common sources of PFAS include: 

• Spending time in local water (lakes, streams, rivers — always rinse off and wash your hands when you get out)
• Stain-resistant furniture 
• Products with ingredients that include “fluoro” or “perfluoro” 
• Household dust
• Fast food, microwave popcorn, and takeout
• Non-stick cookware
• Drinking water 
• Food packaging
• Soil (and food grown in it)
• Artificial turf
• Personal care products (mascara, dental floss, foundation, menstrual underwear, etc.)
• Umbrellas
• Outdoor gear
• Tea bags

At this time, scientists don’t know how long PFAS stay in the body or if they all have the same toxicity levels or duration. 

PFAS in Tea Bags? Are Tea Bags Dangerous?

A March 2024 article found an association between PFAS levels in the blood and certain foods, including unsweetened tea, hot dogs, and processed meats. The study found participants who drank lots of tea and ate a significant amount of pork, hot dogs, and other processed foods, like takeout, had much higher levels of PFAS in their blood, which, as we’ve discussed, may lead to certain health issues. 

If you’re like me, you read this and wondered how tea could lead to higher PFAS levels in the blood. 

Fortunately, there is a solid explanation. Researchers believe that paper teabags may be to blame. It’s unlikely that the unsweetened tea the participants were drinking itself was the issue, but like hot dogs and processed meats, the packaging contributes to the PFAS level in the food. 

The study reveals that participants who prepared more meals at home had lower levels of PFAs in their blood — likely because making meals at home reduces the amount of packaging and grease-proof paper (often found with takeout food) used, which usually contains PFAS. 

The takeaway is that some tea bags contain PFAS, which is one reason why loose tea is a better alternative. Plus, you’ll experience a better flavor and avoid bleached, petro-based nano plastics found in some tea bags or the material used to seal them. 

Read our previous article here for more information about why loose-leaf tea is better than tea bags for your health. 

How to Reduce Your PFA Intake

Ideally, companies would take action and stop using PFAS in their products altogether. While some steps have been taken to regulate PFAS use, there are still many ways PFAS infiltrate everyday products. 

So, what can you do to protect yourself? Here are a few ways to reduce your exposure: 

• Frequently clean your home: Dusting, vacuuming, and opening windows can all help reduce your exposure to PFAS. 
• Limit stain or water-resistant product use: Many of these products are coated with PFAS to give them this resistance. While convenient, experts recommend avoiding these products and tossing old Teflon pans (which were coated with PFAS before the early 2000s.) 
• Reduce or limit non-stick cookware use: Stainless steel or cast iron are excellent PFAS-free alternatives. 
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly: This helps reduce dust or other particles containing PFAS on your food. 
• Switch from tea bags to loose-leaf tea: Not only does loose-leaf tea offer more vibrant flavor and potential health benefits, but brewing loose-leaf tea with a tea infuser eliminates your PFAS risk. We love our 3” Mesh Tea Infuser as a stainless steel alternative. We have many fun, simple, and easy-to-use tea infusers that eliminate your use of paper tea bags altogether. They’re environmentally friendly, too! 
• Limit processed meats and takeout: We know this is tough with the many delicious takeout options available, but some studies have shown that packaging for takeout and processed meats is associated with higher PFAS levels in the blood. 
• Use a water filter: An NSF/ANSI-certified water filter can limit your PFAS exposure in drinking water. You can also ask your water utility center about PFAS testing results. Experts recommend testing and filtering your water to limit your PFAS exposure if you have a private well. 
• Don’t heat food in grease-resistant packaging: Grease-resistant packaging may contain PFAS, so heat up food outside the packaging or choose better alternatives. For example, make popcorn on the stovetop instead of in microwaveable bags. 
• Limit fish: Experts recommend reducing how much of some fish you consume to reduce PFAS exposure. A 2023 study found that locally caught freshwater fish across the United States are a significant source of PFAS and other contaminants like PFOS. Unfortunately, even infrequent freshwater fish consumption can increase these levels. There aren’t federal regulations regarding PFAS and freshwater fish in the United States yet, so other fish sources may be better until lawmakers set regulations. 

We hope this article provides you with a better understanding of PFAS and some actionable steps you can take to reduce your exposure.

Warm Wishes, 

Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah

Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting Herbalist with over 27 years of hands-on experience and the owner of The Herb Stop.