What doesn't kill you makes you stronger - until it kills you
Denmark has banned packaging with a chemical coating as it is harmful to people and the environment. This also includes disposable crockery, which was originally intended as a degradable alternative to plastic.
In Denmark, food packaging containing perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) has been banned since this week. Please what? PFAS! These are industrially produced organic compounds that are used, for example, in the manufacture of Teflon pans, waterproof clothing or fire-fighting foam. Surfaces coated with PFAS are non-stick and greaseproof. Baking paper, microwave popcorn and compostable takeaway containers: they are all coated with PFAS.
The only problem is that these toxic chemicals accumulate in the environment and our tissue, meaning they are not biodegradable. Oh yes, they are also carcinogenic. This is rather astonishing, as there is hardly any substance today that could not trigger the disease. This is indicated by this list of 937 chemicals. This is probably why cardiovascular diseases have been replaced by cancer as the leading cause of death this year. At least in rich countries.
They have always endeavoured
Back to disposable crockery. This is not only bad because of the possible PFAS coating, but per se, as it is not really degradable. At least not quickly enough. So in the end it ends up in the bin again. But it's also milking the mice, the way you do it is not right. People are replacing single-use plastic with natural materials such as palm leaves or sugar cane in order to delay the planet's doomsday and it's still not right. Because it actually poisons the people who eat them and the soil around the compost heap on which they lie. And all because of a thin layer of PFAS. Well meant is not well done.
Chemicals are also found in our drinking water. After all, they reach us all from there. So it's no wonder that the resulting health costs in the European economic area amount to up to 84 billion euros. In addition to the aforementioned cancer, PFAS are also associated with immune system and developmental disorders. Another consequence of chemical exposure rather astonished me. Gentlemen, be strong. Because according to a study conducted in Italy, drinking contaminated water results in smaller penises and a lower sperm count.
Denmark's move to ban it is both right and important. The stuff doesn't do anyone any good - except perhaps the industry. Nevertheless, it leaves a pallid aftertaste. Firstly, because all the PFAS produced so far will remain until the bitter end. Secondly, because many environmentally friendly, sustainable, green alternatives turn out to be not so great after all. Thirdly, because I have to face the truth and admit it to myself: Everything is deadly, including water.
Maybe harmful, but definitely not deadly, are my articles here.
My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.