Forever Chemicals in Cyber Monday Deals: What You Need to Know

I have been shopping online for a friend of mine who is a veteran and needed help finding small appliances. In an effort to upgrade his kitchen, I have been trying to take advantage of the featured deals for Black Friday and now Cyber Monday. While reading the material descriptions, I was instantly reminded of the real time challenges of balancing affordability with safety. Many veterans live on tight budgets, and this year’s deals seemed promising, especially for essential appliances like countertop microwaves and air fryers. However, what started as a straightforward shopping mission quickly transitioned into a journey to avoid forever chemicals. This is indeed a hidden health hazard.

Not all retailers provide detailed information on their website as far as material composition much less extraneous information regarding these hidden health hazards.  You may find some basic information, but usually have to conduct your own research if you want to learn more. States like California have very explicit rule and regulations pertaining to salable goods and potential health impacts.

Prioritizing Consumer and Environmental Safety

This begs the question, why don’t all of the states do this? There are several reasons. California has historically placed a strong emphasis on environmental and consumer protection. Laws like Proposition 65 require businesses to disclose harmful chemicals, influencing food and product safety. Not all states provide protections like California because of differences in political priorities, economic interests, public demand, and resources. California prioritizes consumer and environmental safety, often exceeding federal standards, while other states may prioritize business-friendly policies or lack the capacity to enforce stricter regulations. This is why there is a great need for more transparency when it comes to consumer and environmental safety throughout the USA.

What Are Forever Chemicals?

Forever chemicals, formally known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of artificial chemicals found in a wide array of consumer products. These chemicals are prized for their resistance to heat, water, and grease, making them popular in everything from nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics to food packaging. Unfortunately, PFAS are also linked to significant health concerns, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption. These substances do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, hence the name “forever chemicals.” For more detailed information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) page on PFAS.

The Hidden Risk in Cyber Monday Deals

While scouring deals on sites like BestBuy, I was struck by the great prices on appliances, including steel-made microwaves that seemed like a “steal”. However, my excitement was dampened when I realized many of these products at one time were sold treated with PFAS. There are still many small appliances that use chemicals such as diboron trioxide, which is considered to be “safe”. However, use your own discretion. When in doubt, keep searching.

Diboron trioxide is often used in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics, which suggests it could be part of the microwave’s internal components, such as the glass turntable or the interior coating. Accordingly, Diboron trioxide, when used as a component in borosilicate glass, is considered microwave safe; meaning you can safely use glassware containing diboron trioxide (like Pyrex) in a microwave as it can withstand high temperatures without breaking or causing harm.

Although they are being phased out, it makes you think about how many years you have been using appliances made with these chemicals. Forever chemicals can be found in the coatings or materials of appliances, posing a potential health risk to unsuspecting buyers. Reputable sites like BestBuy make it a point to disclose detailed information about the materials used. See the screen shot below.

This discovery was an eye-opener for my friend because people typically don’t think of small appliances as being made from potentially harmful chemicals. It doesn’t matter where you shop. A discounted price is a powerful distraction, and it’s easy to overlook hidden hazards when focused on savings. The lesson? Always research product materials and avoid anything that lists a chemical disclosure, especially PFAS or related substances in its description.

What Is Diboron Trioxide?

Diboron trioxide, also known as boron trioxide or boric oxide, is a chemical compound with the formula B₂O₃. It typically appears as colorless, semitransparent lumps or hard, white, odorless crystals.

Uses:

• Glass Manufacturing: Diboron trioxide is a major component in the production of borosilicate glass, which is valued for its thermal and chemical resistance.
• Ceramics and Enamels: It serves as a fluxing agent, helping to lower melting temperatures and improve the quality of glazes and enamels.
• Optical Fibers: The compound is used as an additive in glass fibers, including those used in optical applications.
• Semiconductor Industry: Diboron trioxide acts as an inert capping layer in the Liquid Encapsulation Czochralski process for producing gallium arsenide single crystals.
• Chemical Synthesis: It functions as an acid catalyst in organic reactions and serves as a precursor for other boron compounds, such as boron carbide. For more detailed information, please refer to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards – Boron oxide.

Efforts to Ban Forever Chemicals in the United States

Thankfully, there’s growing momentum to eliminate forever chemicals from consumer products. In 2023, the Biden administration proposed restrictions on PFAS in drinking water, marking a significant step toward addressing this public health threat. Additionally, several states, including California, New York, and Maine, have introduced bans on the use of PFAS in specific products like cosmetics, cookware, and food packaging. At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency is working on regulations to phase out PFAS use in various industries.  To learn more about forever chemicals, read about The Hidden Dangers of Forever Chemicals.

While these efforts are promising, forever chemicals are still present in many items currently available for purchase. This makes consumer vigilance crucial when shopping for household products.

Shop Smart and Stay Safe

As Cyber Monday approaches, remember that safety matters as much as savings. It’s important to look for products labeled as PFAS-free when shopping for new appliances. If you come across products containing forever chemicals, it’s best to keep looking. Prioritize brands and items that advertise being PFAS-free or are verified by reputable safety certifications. Happy shopping—and stay informed!