讀後心得

Recently, Taiwan has discovered the presence of invisible toxins, PFAS, in food packaging. Testing shows that 7 out of 8 products contain this substance. PFAS has oil and water-resistant properties, is difficult to break down, and may pose health risks, particularly raising concerns about abnormal liver metabolism in children. Research from National Taiwan University indicates that PFAS is commonly found in children's blood and may increase the risk of health issues such as metabolic syndrome. The Environmental Protection Agency is strengthening regulations on PFAS and calling for a ban on the substance at the source to reduce pollution threats. Experts recommend using personal utensils to minimize the risk of PFAS exposure.

Surprise! Hidden in food packaging is the "PFAS" invisible poison! According to tests, among the 8 products sent from Taiwan, 7 were found to contain PFAS. Studies have shown that PFAS has also been detected in the blood of children, which may lead to liver metabolism abnormalities. So what exactly are PFAS? What health impacts can exposure to PFAS have?

The secretary general of the Taiwan Watch Association conducted a small experiment in which he used an oil-coated pencil and dripped it on regular paper and on a small paper bag used for food. The results showed that on regular paper, the oil quickly spread out, while on the small food bag, the oil droplets did not diffuse and formed distinct oil beads. This indicates that this small paper bag has oil and water resistance properties, which may contain PFAS.

According to the cooperation between the Taiwan Watch Association and the International Persistent Organic Pollutants Elimination Network, the survey results published at the end of 2023 indicated that among the 8 products sent from Taiwan, 7 contained PFAS. These products include plant fiber meal boxes, tableware, microwave popcorn inner bags, and food packaging materials made from recycled paper.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) possess water and oil-resistant properties, come in many forms, and are not easily degraded by nature, resulting in high permanence and bioaccumulation. PFAS has permeated our lives, with its presence detected in seawater, soil, and dust in the environment. Therefore, the research team has also conducted in-depth studies on environmental exposure and children's health.

Research from National Taiwan University analyzed blood samples from 290 children aged 8 to 10 between 2013 and 2014, testing for 13 common PFAS. The results indicated that PFAS were commonly present in the blood of these children, potentially causing adverse health effects. The study pointed out that exposure to substances like PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) could lead to abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver of children and could even trigger health issues such as metabolic syndrome, possibly impacting children’s growth and health.

Animal experiments have shown that PFAS may cause endocrine reproductive toxicity, and at high concentrations, could affect male fertility and endocrine glands (such as the thyroid). Moreover, studies indicate the potential carcinogenicity of PFAS, which may increase the risk of liver cancer and kidney cancer.

The Environmental Protection Agency is currently accelerating the regulation of PFAS, planning to announce 151 PFAS substances, with an additional 357 planned for announcement early next year. The substances announced will have restrictions on their use, especially in the field of food packaging, and will not fall within the permitted usage range.

Environmental groups are calling on authorities to ban the use of PFAS at the source to reduce the risk of PFAS contamination. To reduce personal exposure to potential risks from PFAS, it is recommended that everyone bring their own reusable utensils, as this is not only safer but also more environmentally friendly.