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Tip of the Week: Keep Toxic PFAS Chemicals Out of Your Life

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Clean Water Action

PFAS are a family of approximately 9,000 human-made chemicals that are effective at repelling grease, water, and stains, as well as combating certain types of fires. PFAS are in cookware, food packaging, stain resistant carpets and clothing, some cosmetics, outdoor gear, and even dental floss. You may know them as Teflon®, or Scotchguard®.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found these chemicals in the bodies of nearly every American it has tested. PFAS tend to stick around forever, both in our environment and our bodies — hence the nickname “forever chemicals.” Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a number of serious health issues, from birth defects to developmental problems to increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer.

We can reduce the risks to our health by preventing more PFAS from building up in our bodies and environment.

  1. Ditch the non-stick cookware—even if it says PFOA (a type of PFAS) Free.

    When heated at high temperatures, PFAS-containing cookware gives off fumes that are serious enough to cause flu-like symptoms in people and even kill pet birds. Don’t be fooled by PFOA- free labels, as that may just mean that the PFOA was replaced by another PFAS. Stainless steel and cast iron cookware are great alternatives.

  2. Can’t replace the cookware? Reduce the heat.

    Don’t preheat non-stick cookware and never use it in an oven heated at or above 400 degrees. Also never use steel wool or other scraping cleaners on non-stick items; this can release the coating into your food or the environment.

  3. Pop your own corn.

    Microwave popcorn bags, including organic products, usually have PFAS coatings inside that can leach into your snack and are released into the air when you open the bag. Instead, buy loose popping corn and pop it on the stove. Alternatively, pop loose kernels in a covered bowl or paper bag in the microwave.

  4. Bring your own container for “doggie bags” and takeout food.

    Eating out? Bring your own metal or glass container to bring home your leftovers. You’ll avoid PFAS in take-out containers and reduce trash. Also limit foods like hamburgers, pastries, or french fries that come in grease-resistant packaging. Studies have detected PFAS in almost half of tested wrappers or pastry bags.

  5. Reject PFAS-coated dental floss.

    Some dental flosses contain PFAS and can be a significant exposure route. Tests indicate that the following brands in particular may have PFAS: CVS Health EaseBetween SuperSlip Dental Floss Waxed, Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Mint and Glide Pro-Health Original, Crest Glide Deep Clean Cool Mint Floss, Safeway Signature Care Mint Waxed Comfort Floss, and Colgate Total Dental Floss Mint. Best to google for “PFAS-free” before you shop.

  6. Ask for untreated carpet.

    Options for non-treated carpet in the residential market are limited, but asking for a PFAS-free alternative will help signal demand for safer options.

  7. Avoid stain-resistant coatings.

    Preventing stains with Scotchguard sprays or other PFAS containing coatings is not worth the risk. When buying furniture, consider polyester or plastic-based fabrics that are already stain resistant or easy to clean and choose darker colors. When cleaning fabrics, try vacuuming instead of dry cleaning.

  8. Read the label.

    Avoid products, including cosmetics, varnishes, and household items, that have PTFE or “perfluor” in the ingredient list.

  9. Demand non-PFAS clothing and sports gear.

    PFAS contaminate the environment, so using them outdoors doesn’t make sense. Some companies are currently tryingto reformulate their products without PFAS. In the meantime, try to avoid products and fabrics with a Scotchguard or Goretex coating.

Clean Water Action is a nonprofit working with water regulators to expand monitoring of drinking water for PFAS, and with the legislature on initiatives to reduce the use of PFAS in products and industries. 

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