The sad fact is that despite best intentions, harmful chemicals are still often hidden in everyday products. 

However, an impressive grassroots organization with an unusual name offers a lifeline to consumers seeking to stay informed about toxins in products we buy and consume. That organization is Mamavation. 

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Mamavation’s mission is to raise awareness about toxic chemicals, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), pesticides, and endocrine disruptors, and push for safer alternatives in the market. They accomplish this by sponsoring and publishing research on toxic chemicals found in consumer products, including food. 

What is Mamavation?

Founded by wellness activist and author Leah Segedie, Mamavation is an online platform dedicated to educating families on environmental health and empowering them to make informed choices. 

What is the meaning of Mamavation?

The name “Mamavation” is a blend of “mama” and “innovation.” The moniker reflects the platform’s focus on empowering mothers and families to take control of their health by adopting informed approaches to living toxin-free. 

Mamavation combines “mama” and “innovation” to empower mothers with innovative tools and resources for healthier living. The “innovation” aspect is evident in their comprehensive product investigations, which assess everyday items for toxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals. 

The organization is rooted in the idea that informed, health-conscious decisions can lead to healthier homes and safer consumer products.

Who is Leah Segedie?

Before founding Mamavation in 2009, Leah Segedie built a reputation as a social media influencer and health advocate. After transforming her own lifestyle and losing more than 100 pounds in the process, she became committed to helping others make healthier choices. 

She initially focused on fitness and weight loss but soon expanded to environmental health, particularly toxins in consumer products. Having struggled with health issues herself, she wanted to raise awareness about the environmental toxins that contribute to health problems like obesity, hormonal imbalances, and cancer.

Segedie’s background in grassroots advocacy and community building helped her shape Mamavation into a well-known site for product safety.

What is the Mamavation community?

Segedie has steadily built her online community over the past 15 years. Today, the Mamavation community has grown into a powerful consumer advocacy website that provides resources, research, and recommendations regarding environmental toxins, food safety, personal care, household products, and even cookware. 

However, one of its most impactful initiatives has been its focus on PFAS, a group of chemicals known for their persistence in the environment as well as their potential health risks.

Mamavation’s PFAS testing initiatives

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in the human body. As noted below, studies have linked PFAS to long-term health risks such as cancer, liver damage, and thyroid disease.

Mamavation has conducted an impressive number of PFAS tests across various food products. The following list highlights just one of the many categories they’ve examined. 

Food PFAS testing

• Butter wrappers – 32 products
• Fast food packaging – 81 products
• Nut butters – 33 products
• Cooking oils – 67 products
• Pasta & tomato sauces – 55 products
• Ketchup – 12 products
• Non-dairy powdered creamers – 10 products

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Mamavation’s commitment extends beyond food and food packaging to testing a broad range of consumer products, including:

• Beauty and personal care
• Beverages
• Supplements
• Menstrual products
• Clothing
• Parchment paper
• Baby and children’s products
• Computers, phones, and office products
• Cleaning and laundry products

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Studies linking PFAS to disease risks

PFAS have been widely researched for their potential health risks to humans.

For example, a review of more than 100 studies published in Environmental Health Perspectives demonstrated a significant correlation between exposure to PFAS and liver damage, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

This is partly due to the chemicals’ ability to disrupt endocrine functions and mimic fatty acids, which can contribute to fat accumulation in the liver​.

PFAS have also been linked to increased risks of certain cancers, including liver cancer. The American Chemical Society has reported that PFAS exposure correlates with increased liver cancer risk.

In addition, there’s evidence suggesting that PFAS affect thyroid function and immune system health.

Mamavation’s PFAS testing initiative

In an effort to inform the public about these risks, Mamavation launched an independent PFAS testing initiative in 2020. 

Through this program, Mamavation tests common household and food-related items for the presence of PFAS. They then share the results on their website to raise awareness and provide transparency regarding which brands fall short.

Mamavation publishes PFAS-findings on items ranging from baby foods and period underwear to food packaging and household items. 

In one study, Mamavation sent 17 pairs of period underwear from 14 brands to Galbraith Labs for analysis. The testing revealed concerning levels of PFAS in these products. 

What is Mamavation’s PFAS testing process?

Mamavation tests products for PFAS using labs certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Their primary method is marker testing for organic fluorine, which is a reliable indicator of the presence of PFAS. 

The process involves determining the total fluorine content in a product using a method called oxygen flask combustion and ion-selective electrodes. If the fluorine content exceeds 10 parts per million, the lab further analyzes free fluoride ions to subtract from the total fluorine. This determines the amount of fluorine in the product, which is highly indicative of PFAS.

Mamavation outsources testing to specialized labs. They often collaborate with reputable organizations such as The Institute for Green Science at Carnegie Mellon University and Environmental Health News. 

These partnerships provide scientific backing for their findings and lend weight to their consumer safety advocacy efforts.

Mamavation uses its test results to rate product safety

Each Mamavation investigation categorizes products into “best,” “better,” or “not our favorite” based on their toxicity and environmental impacts. They publish the sources of their studies, including the organizations and individuals involved. 

You can explore their full testing and product guides in the Product Investigations section of their website.

Who funds Mamavation?

Testing is supported by donations from Mamavation’s online community, as well as proceeds from affiliate links and ad revenue on their website. By purchasing products through these links, consumers contribute directly to the funding of Mamavation’s testing initiatives. 

This self-sustaining model allows Mamavation to maintain its independence in product testing and consumer advocacy.

Testing for other toxic substances in everyday products

In addition to PFAS research, Mamavation also has conducted extensive testing for the following contaminants:¹ phthalates, glyphosate (Roundup weed killer) and other pesticides, metals, and even DDT, which has been banned since 1972 but is still found in soils. Here are the product groups tested by Mamavation:

Phthalate testing

• Olive oils
• Avocado oils
• Coconut oils
• A collagen supplement brand

Glyphosate (Roundup weed killer) 

& other pesticide testing

•  Cinnamon
• A brand of graham crackers
• Organic pea protein powder
• Brands of wine
• Honey brands

Heavy metals testing

• A brand of reusable stainless steel cups
• Salts
• Cinnamon
• Glass measuring cups

DDT testing

• Eggs, butter, and yogurt brands

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Learning to navigate the toxic products landscape

In addition to its product testing, Mamavation is a rich educational resource for consumers who want to learn how to identify and avoid harmful chemicals in their daily lives. 

The platform uses detailed guides, blog posts, reports, and social media outreach to inform the public about the risks associated with common toxins and how to reduce exposure to them.

For instance, Mamavation publishes considerable content on the dangers of endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormone system. 

Found in everything from plastic bottles to personal care products, endocrine disruptors have been linked to developmental, reproductive, and neurological issues.

By breaking down scientific research into accessible, easy-to-understand language, Mamavation helps consumers recognize which products may pose a threat. They also recommend and offer safer alternatives.

Mamavation’s educational materials are full of practical tips on how to avoid exposure to harmful substances. Whether it’s through a list of non-toxic cleaning products or advice on how to reduce exposure to pesticides, Mamavation equips its audience with the tools to make healthier choices. 

This educational outreach extends to social media platforms, where Mamavation provides bite-sized pieces of information that inform consumers about the latest research and product developments.

What makes Mamavation credible?

Mamavation’s credibility lies in its ongoing collaborations with independent laboratories, researchers, and environmental scientists. These partnerships help validate its product testing results and health claims by backing them with scientific data.

One notable partnership is with Environmental Health Sciences, a National Institutes of Health agency that provides scientific backing for many of Mamavation’s claims regarding toxic chemicals and their impact on human health. 

Mamavation collaborates with respected scientists in the field to assure consumers that its recommendations are reliable and based on the latest research.

Mamavation’s advocacy role

Mamavation also collaborates with other consumer advocacy groups and nonprofits to push for stronger regulations and greater transparency in product safety. For example, they often partner with the Environmental Working Group, an organization that, not unlike Mamavation, specializes in research-based advocacy.

This collaboration helps amplify the platform’s voice and increase its influence among consumers and policymakers.

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Mamavation’s efforts extend beyond simply educating consumers. The organization also actively advocates for stricter regulations on harmful chemicals. Through petitions, public awareness campaigns, and participation in policy discussions, Mamavation continues to push for change at the legislative level.

For example, the platform has been a vocal advocate for banning PFAS in food packaging. Studies have shown that PFAS can leach from packaging into food. In response to growing public pressure, several states in the US, including Washington and New York, have moved to ban the use of PFAS in food packaging. 

Mamavation continues to support these efforts and encourages its community to advocate for similar legislation and regulation in their states.

Mamavation’s grassroots approach has also influenced industry standards. Some companies, in response to consumer pressure and Mamavation’s findings, have reformulated their products to reduce reliance on toxic chemicals. Here are three examples cited on Mamavation’s website:  

• FITGLOW Beauty reformulated its products to eliminate PFAS after Mamavation found traces of these chemicals in their makeup. The brand worked closely with its suppliers to secure PFAS-free materials. The company now tests products like its Vegan Good Lash Mascara, Lip Colour Serum, and Plum Lash Primer to make sure they are free from detectable PFAS levels.
  
• Thinx addressed consumer concerns about PFAS in its period underwear by investigating and reformulating its products so that they are free of detectable levels of PFAS. This action followed scrutiny from both Mamavation and third-party lab tests.
  
• Kerrygold Butter wrappers were reformulated after Mamavation testing found traces of PFAS in them. The company has since introduced PFAS-free wrappers.

The responses of these companies illustrate the power of informed consumers and the role Mamavation plays in holding manufacturers accountable.

Mamavation: a trusted information resource

Mamavation has become a trusted resource for consumers who wish to learn more about toxic chemicals in products. By focusing on transparency, science-based research, and advocacy, this online resource has empowered countless families to make healthier, more informed choices.

Through its testing initiatives, educational content, and partnerships with researchers, Mamavation continues to push for a safer, toxin-free future for all.

Notes

1. Phthalates: A group of chemicals used to make plastics like PVC more flexible. Phthalates are commonly found in products like cosmetics, food packaging, and toys. They are endocrine disruptors, and as such are considered reproductive and developmental health risks.

Glyphosate: This active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup is widely used in agriculture to control weeds. Glyphosate is controversial due to health and environmental concerns linked to the product. These include potential links to cancer.

Heavy Metals: These are elements in the periodic table with high atomic weight and density, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. They can be toxic even in low concentrations. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body and the environment and are linked to neurological, reproductive, and developmental health issues.

DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane): DDT is a synthetic insecticide widely used in the mid-20th century for malaria control and crop protection. It has been banned in many countries due to its environmental persistence and toxicity. It is particularly harmful in its effects on wildlife. It also is considered a carcinogen.

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