Grease-Proof Paper Plates May Poison Your Joints

Carl Lowe | Feb 18, 2013 | Comments 0

Chemicals used in certain stain- and water-resistant fabrics, grease-proof paper food containers, personal care products, and other items may give you osteoarthritis. The toxins in question, known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are common pollutants that take a very long time to break down.

“We found that PFOA and PFOS exposures are associated with higher prevalence of osteoarthritis, particularly in women, a group that is disproportionately impacted by this chronic disease,” says researcher Sarah Uhl. The research was the focus of Uhl’s Master’s of Environmental Science Program at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Although production and usage of PFOA and PFOS have declined due to safety concerns, we are still exposed to significant amounts in the environment.