Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Canadian Fast Food Packaging

A suite of analytical techniques was used to obtain a comprehensive picture per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in selected Canadian food packaging for fast foods (n = 42). Particle-induced gamma ray emission spectroscopy revealed that 55% the samples contained <3580, 19% 3580–10 800, 26% > 10 800 ?g F/m2. The highest total F (1 010 000–1 300 000 F/m2) measured molded “compostable” bowls. Targeted analysis 8 with high 4–15 individual PFAS each sample, 6:2 fluorotelomer methacrylate (FTMAc) alcohol (FTOH) typically dominating. Up 34% fluorine released from after hydrolysis, indicating presence unknown precursors. Nontargeted detected 22 6 different groups, including degradation products FTOH. Results indicate use side-chain fluorinated polymers suggest these can release short-chain compounds ultimately be transformed toxicological concern. Analysis 2 years storage showed overall decreases consistent loss volatile such as FTMAc bowls represents regrettable substitution single-use plastic packaging.