Spring 2009 - Issue 5

The Silversword: Home > Arts and Entertainment > Microwave Popcorn + Teflon = Infertility

Microwave Popcorn + Teflon = Infertility

Karina Suzuki, Staff Writer

Popcorn is one of the favorite snacks for many college students. It is cheap and easy to make.

But, did you know that eating microwave popcorn can lead to infertility, birth defects, increased cancer rates, changes in lipid levels, and adverse effects on the immune system?

Studies by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have discovered threats associated with a chemical coating called “perfluorooctanoic” (PFOA). This chemical is found in the lining of the popcorn bag that releases once the microwave heats the bag. Popcorn bags are made out of paper that has to be coated with a substance to repeal grease and moisture, so the bag does not become soggy and rip while it is getting heated in the microwave.

The bag is not the only thing that carries a coat of carcinogen, but guess what? Butter flavoring is on the list too. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found out a disease that destroys lung tissue can come from exposure to the artificial butter flavoring called “diacetyl.” Diacetyl is hazardous when heated or inhaled over long periods of time.

Workers in several factories producing popcorn came down with a disease called “bronchiolities obliterans,” which causes pulmonary inflammation and obstruction of the lungs. The case has been found primarily in young, healthy and non-smoking males. There is no known cure for bronchiolities obliterans, aside from lung transplantation.

I think it’s time to go back to the old-fashion method of cooking popcorn. So, the next time that you decide to have your next movie night or simply to snack, get your pot on the stove with hot oil and start popping your fluffy kernels — your body will greatly appreciate it!

That’s the scoop on microwave popcorn. Now, did you know that Teflon, Gore-Tex and all the other products that keep water from sticking to raincoats and food from sticking to pans could be suppressing men’s sperm counts?

The chemicals found on these products are perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAAs), but the most common of them are perflurooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Recent studies claim that these modern conveniences could prevent men from procreating.

A recent study was published in Environmental Health Perspectives, where Danish researchers analyzed semen samples from 105 men aged 19. They were looking for the presence of 10 PFAA chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, and sperm quality.

The presence of these chemical were found in majority in young men, which had half the number of normal sperm in comparison with all the other men that have been found with lower levels of these chemicals.

The findings have to be substantiated, and researchers are planning to do it in a larger number in the future.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has discovered that men are more likely than women to abide high levels of PFOA and PFOS. So, if you thought that women are the only gender susceptible to this kind of chemicals, think twice before using any manufacturing product coated with these compounds.

If you want my two cents, not only should you start considering making your own popcorn, but you should also avoid wax paper used in pizza boxes and other fast-food wrappers. Replace your pots and pans, and try to get pans with safer ceramic finishes.

You should also exercise more often. Although exercising may not eliminate PFOS and PFOA form your body, it will definitely help to heighten sperm counts.

And the most amazing of the mentioned above — have as much sex as you can! Researchers have found out that sperms weaken the longer they sit at rest.

Keep all this in mind and start taking care on your little swimmers without delay.