Microwave Popcorn Bags

The grease-proof lining of microwave popcorn bags.

46Moderate burden · out of 100

Cleaner swapAir-pop plain kernels in a pot or a plain paper bag

How this score is built

100Start
77Chemical hazard 5 × 4.6−23
66.8Everyday exposure 3 × 3.4−10.2
46Persistence 8 × 2.6−20.8
ModerateThe band46 sits in 40–59.

What each input rests on

The three ratings behind the score, and the studies each rests on
Input	Rating	Evidence
Chemical hazard	5/10	unsourced input
Everyday exposure	3/10	5-34 ng of PFOA was found in the vapours produced from a prepacked microwave popcorn bag. Quantitation of gas-phase perfluoroalkyl surfactants and fluorotelomer alcohols released from nonstick cookware and microwave popcorn bags · Environ Sci Technol 2007 DOI 10.1021/es062377w · PMID 17593716 · Abstract · read 2026-10-02 In NHANES 2003-2014, eating popcorn was associated with significantly higher serum PFOA, PFNA, PFDA and PFOS. Dietary Habits Related to Food Packaging and Population Exposure to PFASs · Environ Health Perspect 2019 DOI 10.1289/EHP4092 · PMID 31596611 · Abstract, Results · read 2026-10-02
Persistence	8/10	unsourced input

Ratings are editorial. A study listed here supports the rating; it did not compute it. How the index is built

What this means for you

The non-stick lining has historically used PFAS 'forever chemicals' that can migrate into the oil and popcorn when heated. Loose kernels cost less and skip the coating entirely.

Evidence strength: strong

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