Coffee at Home May Seem Harmless, but Experts Warn of 'Silent Toxins' That Raise Diabetes Risk

PFAS: The "Forever Chemicals" Lurking in Everyday Life
"Diabetes Risk Rises with Higher PFAS Levels"
The Real Threat Is on Our Table... How Can We Avoid It?

Capsule coffee in the morning, instant rice for lunch, and a home-cooked meal stir-fried in a frying pan for dinner.

While this may seem like an ordinary dining table, warnings have been issued that a 'silent toxin' could be seeping into our bodies through these daily routines. The culprit is 'per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),' which are hidden throughout the kitchen. Recent studies have confirmed that if PFAS accumulate in the body, they can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A study has reported that 'per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)' components flow into beverages during the capsule coffee extraction process. Blood analysis results showed that individuals with higher PFAS levels had a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Photo by Getty Images

PFAS: The 'Forever Chemicals' Embedded in Everyday Life

PFAS are widely used in various household items such as cookware and packaging materials due to their resistance to oil, heat, water, and stains. The problem is that these substances do not break down easily, so they accumulate in both the environment and the human body. Recent research has revealed that PFAS can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and obesity.

According to a paper published on August 17 in the international medical journal eBioMedicine, a research team from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York analyzed health records of approximately 70,000 individuals using a hospital database. Among them, they identified 180 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and compared them to a non-diabetic group with similar conditions.

"Higher PFAS Levels, Higher Diabetes Risk"

Blood analysis results showed that individuals with higher PFAS levels had a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For each increase in exposure level, the risk rose by about 31%. The researchers explained, "PFAS appear to interfere with insulin action, affecting blood sugar regulation."

Vishal Midya, assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, stated, "PFAS do not break down and tend to accumulate in the human body," adding, "This study is one of the first to confirm the diabetes risk in groups with diverse racial and background profiles." Lead author Damaskini Valvi, associate professor, also emphasized, "This demonstrates that environmental chemicals, genetics, and lifestyle habits interact in complex ways," and noted, "This research can serve as important data for developing early prevention strategies."

Not only PFAS but also BPA and microplastics can seep into food during microwave or freezing storage processes. Photo by Getty Images

The Problem Lies on 'Our Table'... How Can We Avoid It?

The issue is that PFAS are found extensively throughout everyday life. According to a 2020 survey by the US environmental group Ecology Center, 79% of commercially available non-stick frying pans and 20% of baking pans used PFAS coatings. Plastic storage containers are also not safe. During microwave or freezing storage, not only PFAS but also BPA and microplastics can seep into food.

PFAS, widely used in various household items such as cookware and packaging materials, has been linked to health risks. Blood analysis results showed that individuals with higher PFAS levels had a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. PFAS coatings are used in 79% of commercially available non-stick frying pans and 20% of baking pans. Getty Images

The same applies to capsule coffee machines. Studies have reported that microplastics and metal components can flow into beverages during the extraction process. PFAS have even been detected in plastic cutting boards, high-temperature cooking utensils, and paper straws.

Experts advise that to reduce PFAS exposure, it is best to use glass or stainless steel containers and non-toxic cookware. The researchers stressed, "Once PFAS enter the body, they accumulate, so prevention is paramount," and added, "Efforts to reduce the use of these substances are needed not only on an individual level but also across society as a whole."