science
FDA Detects PFAS in Half of Infant Formula Samples Tested
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested 312 infant formula samples and found five types of PFAS, with PFOS present in half. Experts noted low levels overall and highlighted PFAS-free options as evidence of feasible production without the chemicals. Two-thirds of U.S. infants consume formula, prompting calls for reduced environmental PFAS to protect supply chains.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested 312 formula samples for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS. The agency detected five PFAS in the tested samples, with PFOS found in half of all samples.
9 parts per trillion of the chemical. PFOS appeared at a maximum concentration of 6 parts per trillion in the formulas, according to Alex Bogdan, toxicologist at the Minnesota Department of Public Health. PFOA was not detected in any of the formulas.
Five percent of samples were reported above 28 parts per trillion, all for PFBA and below the limit of quantitation except one at 34 parts per trillion. The Minnesota Department of Health's guidance value for PFBA is 7,000 parts per trillion.
Powdered soy-based formulas tended to contain PFBA, while about 60% of dairy-based formulas tested contained PFOS. U.S. consume formula. The PFAS detected primarily originate from stock materials like milk and soy used in production.
Powdered formulas are reconstituted with water, and parents should check public water systems for PFAS contamination, as filters can address it if needed. In parallel efforts to reduce pollution from small engines, Australian governments banned the sale of two-stroke tools in 2020.
Australia imports more than 1 million outdoor power tools each year, including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, chippers and pressure washers.
Operating a commercial leaf blower for an hour produces the same amount of air pollutants as driving 1,700 km, equivalent to the distance from Melbourne to Brisbane, according to the California Air Resources Board. An hour of lawn mowing is equivalent to driving about 480 km.
