Report finds chemicals in one-third of fast food packaging

By Ben Tinker, CNN

Updated 1333 GMT (2133 HKT) February 1, 2017

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.6b00435" target="_blank">A study by the Silent Spring Institute</a> found fluorinated chemicals in one-third of the fast food packaging tested. Previous studies have shown PFASs can migrate from food packaging into the food you eat. What types of packaging pose the greatest risk? Click through this gallery to find out.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
A study by the Silent Spring Institute found fluorinated chemicals in one-third of the fast food packaging tested. Previous studies have shown PFASs can migrate from food packaging into the food you eat. What types of packaging pose the greatest risk? Click through this gallery to find out.
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38% of the sandwich/burger contact paper tested contained fluorine.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
38% of the sandwich/burger contact paper tested contained fluorine.
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56% of the dessert/bread contact paper tested contained fluorine.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
56% of the dessert/bread contact paper tested contained fluorine.
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57% of the Tex-Mex contact paper tested contained fluorine.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
57% of the Tex-Mex contact paper tested contained fluorine.
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20% of the food contact paperboard tested contained fluorine.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
20% of the food contact paperboard tested contained fluorine.
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None of the non-contact paper tested contained fluorine.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
None of the non-contact paper tested contained fluorine.
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None of the paper cups tested contained fluorine.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
None of the paper cups tested contained fluorine.
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16% of milk and juice containers tested contained fluorine.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
16% of milk and juice containers tested contained fluorine.
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None of the "miscellaneous" fast food packaging (such as lids and applesauce containers) tested contained fluorine.
Photos: Chemicals in fast food packaging
None of the "miscellaneous" fast food packaging (such as lids and applesauce containers) tested contained fluorine.
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fast food meal STOCK01 fast food packaging chemicals RESTRICTED02 fast food packaging chemicals RESTRICTED03 fast food packaging chemicals RESTRICTED04 fast food packaging chemicals RESTRICTED05 fast food packaging chemicals RESTRICTEDfast food packaging paper cup STOCKfast food packaging milk carton07 fast food packaging chemicals RESTRICTED

Story highlights

  • Chemicals in fast food packaging have been linked to health problems
  • Fluorinated compounds are also in furniture, carpets, clothing, cosmetics and cookware

(CNN)Most of the time, when you order fast food, you know exactly what you're getting: an inexpensive meal that tastes great but is probably loaded with fat, cholesterol and sodium.

But it turns out that the packaging your food comes in could also have a negative impact on your health, according to a report published Wednesday in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
    The report found fluorinated chemicals in one-third of the fast food packaging researchers tested.
      These chemicals are favored for their grease-repellent properties.