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When it comes to cooking and using parchment paper, it’s crucial to choose products that don’t contain harmful chemicals. At Quill And Fox, we understand the importance of a healthy kitchen environment. That’s why we’ve conducted our own research to help you make an informed decision. Join us as we reveal the lab reports of five popular parchment paper brands, exposing which ones may be contaminated with PFAS “forever chemicals.”
The Potential Health Effects of PFAS Chemicals
PFAS, also known as perfluorinated chemicals, are commonly added to various products to make them stain-resistant, grease-proof, and water-resistant. They can be found in food packaging, carpeting, furniture, and even cosmetics. Unfortunately, exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to a range of health problems, including reduced immunity, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even increased cancer risks. These chemicals can also affect the growth, learning, and behavior of infants and children, making it crucial to limit our exposure.
Understanding the Limitations of Testing
Testing for PFAS chemicals is a complicated process due to the sheer number of these “forever chemicals” and the limited direct testing available. However, it’s worth noting that close to 100% of breast milk samples and 98% of people in the United States have traces of PFAS chemicals in their bodies. While testing for all available PFAS chemicals directly is impossible, certain indicators, such as the presence of fluorine, can hint at the potential for PFAS contamination.
Mamavation’s Investigation on Parchment Paper
To help you make an informed choice, we sent five popular brands of parchment paper to an EPA-certified laboratory for testing. The tests measured the Total Fluorine content in each brand. The results are as follows:
- Kirkland (Costco) Parchment Baking Paper — 12 parts per million (ppm) fluorine
- Reynolds Parchment Baking Paper — 14 parts per million (ppm) fluorine
- If You Care Parchment Baking Paper — non-detect
- GIFBERA (Finish brand) Unbleached Parchment Baking Paper — non-detect
- Katbite Parchment Baking Paper — non-detect
As you can see, most of the parchment paper brands we tested did not contain detectable levels of fluorine, indicating a lower likelihood of PFAS contamination. The brands labeled as “non-detect” had no detectable fluorine at the limit of 9-10ppm.
Our Recommendations for the Safest Parchment Paper
Based on our findings, we recommend opting for parchment paper brands that have been labeled “non-detect” for fluorine. These brands have chosen to use silicone instead of PFAS coatings, ensuring a non-stick surface without the potential risks associated with PFAS chemicals. We stand behind the following brands:
- If You Care Parchment Baking Paper
- GIFBERA (Finish brand) Unbleached Parchment Baking Paper
- Katbite Parchment Baking Paper
Choosing these brands will help create a safer and healthier cooking environment in your kitchen.
Conclusion
At Quill And Fox, we prioritize your health and safety. Our investigation into parchment paper brands has revealed the potential presence of PFAS “forever chemicals” in some popular options. By selecting silicone-based parchment paper brands that have been tested “non-detect” for fluorine, you can minimize your exposure to potentially harmful substances. For more insightful investigations like this, click here to explore our range of tested and ranked consumer products. Stay informed by signing up for our weekly newsletter, ensuring you never miss another investigation.