At PhycoHealth, we pride ourselves on a unique and clean technology for the cultivation of seaweed for food, supplements, and cosmetics. Our innovative approach includes using coastal seawater intake and food grade nutrient streams from food processing waste, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen. We also pump in seawater to grow seaweed, and PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are present in the ocean, so we oftern get asked about PFAS contamination. Here are our answers and testing results... keeping in mind that aquatic plants, including seaweed, have a low risk of PFAS contamination.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Everywhere?
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," have been in use since the 1940s. Their unique properties—repelling water and fats—make them invaluable in products ranging from firefighting foam to cardboard packaging. Indeed - they keep the water and fats from your frothy cuppucino from making your coffee cup soggy. You even look at them on every LCD screen. But, their widespread use has led to global contamination, affecting everything from the water we drink to the food we eat.
These chemicals are associated with numerous health concerns, from cancer to fertility, especially in high-exposure occupations like firefighting. Yet, even the general population is not immune becuase we put PFAS in everything, even the coffee cups for our take-away cuppucino to the teflon in our frying pans. It is the molecular magic of not dissolving in water or fats or temperature, keeping these molecules so persistant, that PFAS accumulate in the food chain, posing risks to our health and the environment.
VSS's Approach to Minimizing PFAS Risk
Our cultivation system at VSS includes seawater prefiltration and rapid biomass growth in a batch system, further reducing PFAS risk. We have had our seaweed tested for 35 types of PFAS by a third-party NATA-accredited laboratory, and no PFAS was detected. This confirms the safety of our seaweed for use in food, supplements, and skincare products.
The Global Challenge of PFAS and minimising the risk
PFAS have been found in various consumer goods and industrial materials due to their durability and resistance to heat, water, and fats. This has led to widespread environmental contamination. Even newborns have been found with PFAS in their bloodstreams, highlighting the pervasive nature of these chemicals.
The concern over PFAS stems from their potential health impacts, including cancer and liver issues. Studies have shown that PFAS contamination is especially problematic in waterways, which are the initial points of contact for these chemicals.
How to Reduce PFAS Exposure
While the risk of PFAS exposure varies, it's crucial to minimize it wherever possible. Here are some steps you can take:
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Replace Teflon cookware with stainless steel or iron.
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Choose PFAS-free clothing and gear.
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Select low-risk, plant-based food sources and deep marine fish.
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- 🧥 Choose PFAS-free clothing and rain gear. Patagonia is one such company that is also ahead in this game.
- 🪸 Select low-risk food sources, especially plant-based foods, and be mindful of the geographic origins of red meat, eggs, freshwater fish and seafood high up in the food chain (predatory fish that can bioaccumulate toxins).
- 🐟 Opt for deep marine fish over freshwater fish, because PFAS usually hits the freshwater stream food chain first.
- 🙂 Support brands that are aware of and test for PFAS (like Phycohealth)
Our Commitment to Safe Packaging without PFAS too
At PhycoHealth, we continually review and improve our packaging to ensure it is safe and sustainable. We work with proactive suppliers like ZipForm, who lead in packaging sustainability and PFAS elimination.
You can choose your risk level of exposure andPhycoHealth we help you make that choice easier.
