It’s unfortunate, but prolonged chemicals are ubiquitous. These harmful substances, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are commonly utilized in products that repel water and grease, such as cookware, furniture, and outdoor clothing.
Exposure to PFAS has been associated with a range of health hazards, from cancer to fertility problems, and their presence in consumer goods means they are now commonly detected in soil, drinking water, homes, and our bodies.
The positive news is that although completely avoiding PFAS is impossible, there are specific measures you can take to minimize exposure and reduce the risk to your long-term well-being.
Tips to Decrease PFAS Exposure
Experts emphasize that no single product is likely to expose you to harmful levels of PFAS in one instance. However, since PFAS are prevalent and accumulate in the body over time, it’s wise to identify when you truly require or want the benefits these chemicals offer and avoid them in other areas.
Given that certain items and practices are more prone than others to lead to higher PFAS exposure, focusing on controlling these aspects can help lower your overall risk.
Experts we consulted with recommend concentrating on specific categories, such as nonstick cookware, certain food packaging, water- and stain-resistant products, and consider investing in a reliable water filter.
- Avoid nonstick cooking utensils containing PFAS. Many nonstick cookware items today contain some form of PFAS. To reduce overall exposure, opt for cast-iron, stainless steel, or ceramic pots and pans. It’s advisable to steer clear of nonstick cookware that has been in use for a decade or longer.
- Invest in a water filter, especially if you reside in an area where PFAS contamination in tap water is a concern. Choose an NSF-certified filter designed to remove high levels of two PFAS types (PFOA and PFOS). Some recommended filters meeting these criteria are Aquasana AQ-5200, A.O. Smith AO-US-200, and Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow.
- Limit reliance on specific types of food packaging. While grease-proof paper packaging in the US no longer contains PFAS, other disposable packaging could still contribute to exposure. Restrict the use of compostable or disposable plastic snack and sandwich bags, as they may contain elevated levels of PFAS.
- Avoid textiles boasting waterproof and stain-resistant properties if they do not mention being PFAS-free. Be selective about how often you purchase items made with PFAS, like wall-to-wall carpeting, upholstered furnishings, down jackets, hiking footwear, or undergarments.
- Consider silicone period products. Individuals seeking to minimize potential PFAS exposure during menstruation could opt for medical-grade silicone products like menstrual cups or discs.
Being mindful of what you consume has an additional benefit: Purchasing PFAS-free products sends a clear message that this issue is significant to you and may prompt the industry to develop safer alternatives.
Understanding PFAS
PFAS is a term encompassing over 4,000 compounds utilized in industry and everyday products. These substances differ in their chemical composition but are believed to persist for centuries without breaking down.
The enduring nature of PFAS makes them incredibly valuable. Products treated with PFAS gain exceptional water and grease resistance, which explains why they are commonly found in items designed to remain clean and dry, such as cookware, carpets, outdoor gear, cosmetics, and food packaging.
PFAS can be categorized into two groups based on their carbon atom count: long chain and short chain. Older long-chain PFAS are better understood and associated with clearer risks, with some versions already being phased out in the US. Short-chain PFAS, on the other hand, are less studied, despite their increasing usage.
Health and Environmental Risks
Research on PFAS and health effects is ongoing, with only a small fraction of the compounds having been assessed for potential impacts.
Various PFAS have been linked to a range of adverse effects, including increased cholesterol, thyroid dysfunction, immune system suppression, pregnancy-related complications, and certain cancers.
PFAS exposure predominantly occurs through ingestion and inhalation. These chemicals have been found in bodies of water, municipal drinking water, and even in remote environments like Arctic ice, posing risks to wildlife and eventually humans through the food chain.
While older harmful PFAS have been largely phased out, concerns remain regarding the safety of short-chain replacements. Studies suggest that short-chain PFAS may accumulate in the body more rapidly than previously thought, raising potential health risks.
As scientists continue to study the safety of PFAS, limiting exposure whenever possible is recommended by advocates as a cautious approach.
This article has been reviewed by Katie Okamoto and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Sources
- Dongye Zhao, San Diego State University, Phone Interview, March 1, 2023
- John Adgate, Colorado School of Public Health, Phone Interview, February 6, 2023
- Multi-Industry Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Study – 2021 Preliminary Report, US Environmental Protection Agency, September 2021
