PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’: How to Minimize Exposure in Your Home and Diet
PFAS chemicals are everywhere and can harm your health. Here’s how to reduce your exposure:
- Filter your water (use NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified filters)
- Switch to safer cookware (cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic)
- Avoid greasy food packaging and fast food
- Choose PFAS-free personal care products
- Use PFAS-free cleaning products
- Opt for untreated furniture and carpets
Quick steps to take now:
- Test your tap water
- Replace non-stick pans
- Use glass food storage containers
- Look for "PFAS-free" labels
| Area | High PFAS Risk | Safer Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Non-stick cookware | Cast iron, stainless steel |
| Food | Microwave popcorn | Air-popped popcorn |
| Personal Care | Waterproof mascara | PFAS-free mascara |
| Home | Stain-resistant carpets | Untreated rugs |
| Water | Unfiltered tap water | NSF-certified filtered water |
You can’t avoid PFAS completely, but these steps will significantly reduce your exposure.
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Making Your Kitchen Safer
Your kitchen is a PFAS hotspot. But don’t panic – here’s how to create a safer cooking and eating space.
Better Cookware Choices
Forget nonstick pans. Try these safer options instead:
| Cookware | Why It’s Great | Try This |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Tough, works with induction, handles high heat | All-Clad D3 Everyday set |
| Ceramic | PFAS-free nonstick surface | Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set |
| Cast Iron | Gets nonstick when seasoned | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet |
"Stainless steel isn’t just non-toxic – it’s what the pros use." – Food & Wine
Safe Food Storage
Plastic containers? No thanks. Here’s what to use:
Glass Mason Jars are perfect for soups and chopped veggies. Stainless Steel Containers work great if you’re worried about breaking glass. And Beeswax Wraps can replace plastic wrap.
For leftovers, go for Pyrex glass or Glasslock oven-safe containers. They’re PFAS-free and super versatile.
Water Filters That Work
Not all water filters can handle PFAS. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Look for NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 certification for PFAS removal.
2. Effective filter options:
| Filter Type | How Well It Works | Example | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-sink | High | Brondell Coral UC300 | $75 for cartridges |
| Countertop | Very High | Amway eSpring | $259 for cartridges |
| Faucet-mounted | Budget-friendly | ZeroWater Extremelife | Cheaper than bottled water |
3. Test your water with SimpleLab ($299) or Cyclopure ($79).
"Want to remove PFAS from your water? Choose a filter that’s certified by a legit lab." – Jim Nanni, Consumer Reports Appliance Testing Director
Food Packaging Tips
PFAS loves to hide in food packaging. Here’s how to avoid it:
Skip greasy packaging like microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers. Buy fresh, unpackaged produce when you can. Bring your own containers for takeout and leftovers. And check labels for "PFAS-free" or "fluorine-free."
Making Your Home Safer
Your home should be a safe haven, but it might have more PFAS than you think. Let’s look at this problem room by room.
Finding PFAS at Home
PFAS are sneaky chemicals that hide in plain sight. Here’s where you’ll often find them:
| Item | PFAS Risk | Safer Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstick cookware | High | Cast iron or stainless steel |
| Stain-resistant carpets | High | Untreated natural fiber rugs |
| Water-resistant clothing | Medium | Waxed cotton or wool |
| Microwave popcorn bags | High | Air-popped popcorn |
| Furniture with stain guards | Medium | Untreated fabric furniture |
Clean Air and Dust
PFAS can hitch a ride on dust particles, making your indoor air a potential health risk. Here’s how to clean up your air:
1. Vacuum regularly
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. It’ll trap more particles. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a good choice. It catches 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
2. Open windows
Let fresh air in for at least 15 minutes each day. It’s a simple way to cut down on indoor air pollutants.
3. Use an air purifier
Look for models that the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) says can remove PFAS. The IQAir HealthPro Plus is a solid pick. It gets rid of particles as small as 0.003 microns.
4. Dust with a damp cloth
Dry dusting can spread PFAS-laden particles around. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth instead.
Safer Furniture Choices
When you need new furniture, go for PFAS-free options:
Medley offers sofas made with kiln-dried solid wood and low-VOC plywood. They cost between $1,545 and $5,000+.
Savvy Rest‘s organic sofas use Cradle-to-Cradle certified Natural Talalay latex foam and GOTS-certified organic upholstery. Prices range from $3,799 to $4,099.
Burrow provides modular, easy-to-assemble furniture without flame retardants. Their prices start at $795 and go up to $3,995.
"Want eco-friendly sofas and other furnishings for less? Try shopping used. It’s a great way to find sustainable options without breaking the bank."
Better Cleaning Products
Many regular cleaners contain PFAS. Here are some safer options:
| Product Type | PFAS-Free Option | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Cleaner | Seventh Generation Free & Clear | Plant-based, no fragrance |
| Glass Cleaner | Better Life Natural Streak-Free | Made from plants |
| Carpet Cleaner | Biokleen Bac-Out Stain+Odor Remover | Uses enzymes, works on tough stains |
| Dish Soap | ECOS Dishmate | Plant-powered, good for sensitive skin |
Want to save money? Make your own all-purpose cleaner. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. It works well and has no PFAS.
Safer Personal Care Items
Your bathroom cabinet might be hiding PFAS chemicals. These substances can be in everything from shampoo to lipstick. But don’t panic – we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to keep your beauty routine PFAS-free.
Check the Labels
Reading labels is key. Watch out for these red flags:
| Ingredient | What It Means |
|---|---|
| PTFE | Might contain PFOA |
| Perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane | A type of PFAS |
| Perfluorononyl dimethicone | Another PFAS type |
| Perfluorodecalin | Also a PFAS |
| "Fragrance" or "Parfum" | Can hide PFAS and other chemicals |
"A simple way to help the environment and maintain good personal health is through your hair care products." – Genesis Career College
PFAS-Free Options
You can still look great without PFAS. Try these alternatives:
For mascara, skip waterproof versions. They often have PFAS. ILIA‘s Limitless Lash Mascara is a good choice.
Want foundation? RMS Beauty’s "Un" Cover-Up Cream Foundation ($52) uses clean ingredients.
For lipstick, go for brands that list all ingredients. Axiology‘s Balmies ($14) are PFAS-free and come in many colors.
In skincare, simpler is better. Weleda‘s Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream is popular and PFAS-free.
Products to Watch
Some items are more likely to have PFAS:
| Product | PFAS Risk | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof mascara | High | 82% tested had PFAS |
| Liquid lipstick | High | 62% tested had PFAS |
| Foundation | Medium | 63% tested had PFAS |
| Eyeshadow | Medium | 58% tested had PFAS |
Safe Brands to Try
These brands say no to PFAS:
H&M Beauty has been PFAS-free since fall 2018.
FENTY BEAUTY follows strict EU standards on PFAS.
Merit Beauty offers clean essentials ($24-$38).
Jones Road, from makeup artist Bobbi Brown, has clean, high-performance makeup ($25-$44).
Food and Drink Choices
Your diet can significantly impact your PFAS exposure. Here’s how to keep these chemicals off your plate:
Less Packaged Food
Packaged foods often come with unwanted PFAS. The FDA found a whopping 17,640 parts per trillion of PFAS in chocolate cake with icing, likely from greaseproof paper. Even pizza boxes and sandwich wrappers can be culprits.
What can you do? Cook more at home. People who eat homemade food tend to have lower PFAS levels in their bodies. When shopping, go for fresh, unpackaged produce. And for takeout? Bring your own containers.
Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the FDA, says:
"The major source of dietary exposure to PFAS from food packaging … is being eliminated."
That’s good news, but it’s still smart to be cautious.
Safe Cooking Methods
Your cooking methods matter too. Ditch the non-stick pans for cast iron or stainless steel. Love popcorn? Go for air-popped instead of microwave. And if your tap water has PFAS, use filtered water for cooking.
Here’s a pro tip: Avoid high heat with non-stick cookware. It can make PFAS leach into your food faster.
Test Your Water
Your tap water might be hiding PFAS. Get it tested with at-home kits from companies like SimpleLab ($299) or Cyclopure ($79). If PFAS show up, install a certified water filter (look for NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 certification).
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services advises:
"If your water is above the current standards, NHDES recommends using an alternative source of water for cooking."
And remember, boiling won’t remove PFAS – it might even concentrate them.
Fish Safety Guide
Fish can be tricky. Farm-raised fish often have higher PFAS levels due to exposure in feed or water. Wild-caught fish vary depending on their water source. Smaller fish generally have less time to accumulate PFAS.
The FDA found PFOS in 10 out of 21 seafood samples, with levels from 134 to 865 parts per trillion.
For safer choices, go for smaller fish like sardines or anchovies. Check local advisories for fish from your area, and mix up your fish choices to avoid consistently high exposure from one source.
Steps to Take Now
Ready to kick PFAS out of your life? Here’s how:
Quick Changes
Start cutting your PFAS exposure today with these simple swaps:
| Instead of This | Try This |
|---|---|
| Non-stick pans | Cast iron or stainless steel cookware |
| Microwave popcorn | Air-popped popcorn |
| Takeout containers | Glass or stainless steel containers |
| Regular dental floss | PFAS-free dental floss |
| Stain-resistant furniture | Untreated fabric furniture |
When shopping, look for "PFAS-free" or "fluorine-free" labels.
Step-by-Step Plan
Here’s how to replace PFAS items over time:
1. Test your water
Use a home testing kit from SimpleLab ($299) or Cyclopure ($79). If PFAS are present, install a certified water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 certification).
2. Tackle your kitchen
Ditch non-stick cookware for safer options like cast iron or stainless steel. The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is a solid, budget-friendly choice.
3. Revamp your personal care routine
Go for PFAS-free cosmetics and personal care products. Check out brands like H&M Beauty, FENTY BEAUTY, and Merit Beauty for cleaner alternatives.
4. Update your wardrobe
When buying new clothes, skip water-resistant and stain-resistant options. Fun fact: Patagonia is phasing out PFAS by 2024.
5. Rethink your home decor
For new furniture or carpets, choose untreated options. Medley offers sofas made with kiln-dried solid wood and low-VOC plywood, starting at $1,545.
Budget-Friendly Swaps
You don’t need to break the bank to reduce PFAS:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a DIY, PFAS-free cleaning solution. Swap plastic wrap for affordable, eco-friendly beeswax wraps. Buy used furniture to avoid new PFAS treatments and save cash. Make popcorn at home using loose kernels on the stove or in a covered bowl in the microwave.
Keep Track and Check
Stay on top of your PFAS reduction:
Write down all the PFAS-containing items in your home. Decide which to replace first based on how often you use them and potential exposure. Cross off items as you replace them. Follow organizations like Clean Water Action to stay updated on PFAS regulations and new alternatives.
"Consumers can have a large impact by choosing products without PFAS." – Jennifer Freeman, Ph.D., Professor of Toxicology at the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University
Wrap-Up
Cutting down on PFAS "forever chemicals" isn’t easy, but it’s doable. Here’s how to minimize PFAS in your daily life:
Filter Your Water
Get a top-notch water filter that’s certified to remove PFAS (look for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification). Why? Over 45% of U.S. tap water has some PFAS in it.
Rethink Your Cookware
Ditch the non-stick pans. Go for cast iron, stainless steel, or 100% ceramic instead. And forget microwave popcorn – air-popped is the way to go.
Watch Your Food Packaging
Cut back on fast food and packaged stuff. Fresh, unpackaged produce is your friend. Getting takeout? Bring your own containers.
Check Your Personal Care Products
Hunt for PFAS-free labels on cosmetics and personal care items. Be extra careful with waterproof mascara and long-lasting lipsticks.
Clean Smarter
Vacuum with a HEPA filter to tackle dust. Pick natural, PFAS-free cleaning products for your home.
Here’s the deal: you can’t completely avoid PFAS, but these steps can seriously cut down your exposure. As Dr. Shelley Liu from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai puts it:
"Just because you have high exposure doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to get the disease, but you might be at higher risk."
So, take action where you can. Every little bit helps in reducing your PFAS risk.