As Ghana begins to grapple with the threat of toxic PFAS chemicals in its environment and consumer products, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a public alert urging Ghanaians to watch out for “Perfluro” – shorthand for per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products they patronise.
Scientifically, “Perfluoro” refers to a key structural feature of PFAS: carbon chains in which all hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine. This makes PFAS extremely durable and water, grease and stain-resistant, but also nearly indestructible in the environment and human body.
This class of chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” is now under scrutiny worldwide for its links to cancer, hormone disruption and immune system harm.
The FDA’s caution follows a series of alarming studies indicating PFAS contamination in Ghana’s environment, prompting The Chronicle to seek answers from the regulatory body on how it is responding to this emerging public health risk.
How PFAS Enter Ghana
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), although Ghana does not produce PFAS domestically, the chemicals infiltrate the country—largely unnoticed—through imported goods.
These include firefighting foams, industrial surfactants, food packaging, treated textiles, carpets, furniture and even cosmetics.
The EPA clarified that Ghanaian industries such as paint, plastics, furniture and cleaning products do not manufacture PFAS.
Instead, PFAS contamination is suspected to stem from imported materials used in sectors like oil and gas, mining, metal plating, food packaging and firefighting.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), for instance, uses imported firefighting foams that may contain PFOS, one of the most harmful PFAS variants.
PFAS Found in Cosmetics
In a response to The Chronicle, the FDA confirmed that some cosmetic products — especially waterproof and long-lasting types — may contain PFAS-related compounds. The FDA identified specific ingredients consumers should look for on product labels: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene – Teflon), Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, Perfluorononyl dimethicone,C9–15 Fluoroalcohol phosphate and Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl ether.
These substances are commonly found in 24-hour wear foundations, waterproof mascaras, long-lasting lipsticks, mattifying powders, primers, and setting sprays.
“Some PFAS chemicals, such as PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS, are officially banned under the Stockholm Convention,” the FDA noted.
“However, many variants are still unregulated and may appear in imported cosmetics.”
Consumer Advice
The FDA urged Ghanaians to read product labels carefully and look for ingredient names containing “perfluoro.” Additionally, consumers are advised to: Follow usage and safety instructions on product packaging and Dispose of products as recommended by manufacturers.
It also called on the public to report suspicious or unlabelled products to the FDA through its head office in Accra or regional offices nationwide.
When asked whether the FDA had identified specific PFAS-contaminated consumer products already on the market, the agency responded in the negative.
Research and Regulation Gaps
The FDA acknowledged that it has not yet conducted or directly supported research into PFAS in food or consumer products. However, it collaborates with scientific institutions and regulatory bodies both locally and internationally to stay updated on PFAS science.
“The potential risks associated with these chemicals are reviewed alongside statutory standards to make informed decisions,” the FDA said.
While no formal PFAS-specific policies currently exist in Ghana, the FDA confirmed that inter-agency dialogues are underway.
This story was produced with support from a Science, Technology and Innovation Journalism Pitch Award, funded by the British Government and facilitated by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), in collaboration with the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab at KNUST.
