Faith, Food, and Toxics
Faith Connections
Around the shared table of communion, we take and bless the everyday elements of bread and wine that signify Christ’s body and blood. We should eat just as faithfully at our own dinner tables- with knowledge, love, and care for how our food is prepared and what we are choosing to put in our bodies. The healthfulness of what eat at our tables depends not only on the food itself but on what we use to cook with and eat and drink from.
Teflon
Non-stick pans are made with a chemical called PFOA or perflorooctanoic acid that is a known human carcinogen, which causes cancer. The Center for Disease Control suggests switching your non-stick pan for a cast iron, stainless steel, or anodized aluminum pan.
Teflon and other PFOAs (such as Goretex or Scotchguard) are part of a family of chemicals called PFCs (perflorochemicals). PFCs are considered by scientists to be among the most hazardous contaminants ever produced and are found in the blood of more than 90 percent of the U.S. population. PFCs have been linked to different types of cancers and birth defects. The top eight producers of PFOA signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency in 2006 saying they would phase out all PFOA pollution by 2015.
Pesticides in food:
Pesticide exposure been linked to learning disabilities, autism, cancers, nervous system disorders, and fertility problems in women. They can affect developing fetuses, infants, young children, and adults of all socio-economic background. Some pesticides are also endocrine disrupters. Read more.
Learn more
More on Teflon and PFCs from the Environmental Working Group
Visit our BPA page to learn about a chemical that can leach from baby bottles and food cans.
Visit out pesticides page to learn more about how pesticides can harm our health.
Take Action
- Avoid microwaving plastic containers. They can release carcinogens into the food when heated. Try ceramic or glass containers instead.
- Use stainless steel or cast iron frying pans or pots when cooking
- Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel drinking containers or look for plastics that have a #1, 2,4 or 5.
- Purchase baby bottles or sippy cups with a #1, 2, 4 or 5 on the label
- Shop at organic farmer’s markets when available
- Buy organic produce when possible
- Visit the Healthy Legacy Coalition to learn what produce may be o.k. to buy conventionally and which produce is recommended to avoid or buy organically.
Other Environmental Health Issues
- Air Quality
- Children’s and Women’s Health
- Cosmetics
- Environmental Justice and Health
- Flame Retardants
- Food and Health
- Lead
- Mercury
- Pesticides
- Plastics
- Toxic Chemicals