Do pizza boxes contain PFAS chemicals?
Yes. Pizza boxes often use PFAS to keep grease from soaking through the cardboard, which can lead to direct chemical exposure.
What's actually in it
Pizza boxes are frequently treated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These are known as forever chemicals because they don't break down in the environment or your body. Manufacturers use them to create a grease-resistant barrier so the box doesn't get soggy. When your hot pizza touches the cardboard, these chemicals can move from the packaging into your food.
What the research says
The health risks of these chemicals are well-documented in peer-reviewed research. A 2026 study in Int J Mol Sci found that PFAS burden the liver and break down mitochondria, which are the parts of your cells that create energy. These chemicals are persistent and their impact on the body is significant.
Furthermore, a 2026 study in Environ Pollut shows that repeated exposure to mixtures containing PFAS activates immune cells called macrophages. This activation triggers inflammatory features in the body. When you eat food packaged in materials treated with these substances, you are increasing your cumulative exposure to these harmful compounds.
The research at a glance
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