Question 1

What are PFAS forever chemicals?

Accepted Answer

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic, man-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly in the environment. They were widely adopted in commercial applications for their ability to enhance products with resistance to heat, water, and oil, as well as to provide non-stick properties. As a result, PFAS are found in a broad range of everyday items — from grease-resistant food packaging and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams, stain-repellent treatments for fabrics, and protective coatings for carpets.

The most well-known and studied variants of PFAS are: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid).

Question 2

Why are PFAS forever chemicals a concern?

Accepted Answer

PFAS do not break down naturally and can eventually contaminate groundwater once released into the environment. Exposure can occur in several ways, including:
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 • Living      near sites with contaminated air, soil, or drinking water
 • Eating      food grown or raised near PFAS production or disposal sites
 • Consuming      fish or wild game from areas contaminated with PFAS, particularly PFOS
​
​PFAS tend to accumulate in the body over time (bioaccumulation). Even low-level exposure, if continuous, can eventually reach biologically significant levels.

Question 3

What are the health concerns associated with PFAS?

Accepted Answer

Health effects from PFAS exposure depend on the type of PFAS, the amount, and duration of exposure, but research has linked long-term or high exposure to several potential problems:
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 • Increases in cholesterol levels (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA).
 • Lower antibody response to some vaccines (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDA).
 • Changes in liver enzymes (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS).
 • Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia (PFOA, PFOS).
 • Small decreases in birth weight (PFOA, PFOS).
 • Kidney and testicular cancer (PFOA).

Source: atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/about/health-effects.html (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/about/health-effects.html)

Question 4

How can I avoid buying packaging that contains PFAS?

Accepted Answer

PFAS has historically been added to various types of food packaging to enhance grease and water resistance. Bagasse (sugarcane fiber) packaging was often treated with a PFAS coating, as the untreated material tended to absorb liquids and oils.
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In recent years, growing awareness of the long-term environmental and health concerns associated with PFAS has driven the development of safer alternatives. PFAS can be detected through testing programmes such as the OK compost HOME certification scheme from TÜV Austria.
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To ensure safety and sustainability, our bagasse range is tested by TÜV Austria — and we are proud to have been offering PFAS-free bagasse packaging since November 2022. Look out for the OK compost HOME certification on our packaging and marketing materials as your assurance of a safer choice.

sales@celebration.co.uk

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