Pollution chemicals linked to cancer found in coffee, eggs and rice

People who drink coffee or eat rice and eggs have been found to have higher levels of toxic chemicals in the blood plasma and breast milk. A new study checked samples from 3,000 people and found higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in people who consume the three food and drinks.

The study is among the first research to suggest coffee and white rice may be contaminated at higher rates than other foods. The study's lead author, Megan Romano, said: “The results definitely point toward the need for environmental stewardship, and keeping PFAS out of the environment and food chain. Now we’re in a situation where they’re everywhere and are going to stick around even if we do aggressive remediation.”

PFAS are a group of 16,000 chemicals used to coat products, to protect against heat and stains as well as making them water resistant. The chemicals do not naturally break down and accumulate in the human body.

PFAS are linked to cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, low sperm counts and other serious health problems, reports The Guardian.

The chemicals in rice could be from contaminated soil or from the pans used to cook the grains. They could also be in the water supply.

PFAS in sewage sludge, used as a fertiliser, could be contaminating chicken eggs - as well as being added through chicken feed.

The beans, water and soil used in coffee production could all be contaminated. Seafood has previously been found to be highly contaminated.

Campaigners are calling for a total ban on PFAS to stop them from entering the food chain. Anyone wanting to avoid them can stick to certain diets.

Romano said diets high in fruit, whole grain and fibre have lower levels of some PFAS. Romano said: “That helps you not only reduce your exposure to PFAS but other contaminants we might anticipate are in food."