PFAS Elimination Guide
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or in your body. They are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and reproductive harm. Eliminating exposure requires a room-by-room audit because PFAS are in products you would never suspect. Learn more about the science in our PFAS deep dive.
Kitchen
Cookware: nonstick coatings (Teflon/PTFE) are PFAS-based. Replace with cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, or ceramic (true ceramic, not ceramic-coated nonstick which may still use PFAS in the manufacturing process). This is the highest-impact swap because cooking heats accelerate PFAS release.
Food packaging: microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes, and takeout containers are frequently treated with PFAS for grease resistance. Reduce takeout packaging, transfer food to glass or stainless containers before heating. Never microwave in the original packaging.
Food storage: avoid "stain-resistant" or "grease-proof" parchment paper and baking sheets. Use unbleached parchment or silicone baking mats. Store food in glass containers, not plastic.
Bathroom
Cosmetics: PFAS are used in foundation, concealer, liquid lipstick, and waterproof mascara for their smooth, long-lasting finish. A 2021 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found PFAS in 52% of tested cosmetics. Look for products explicitly labeled "PFAS-free" and verified by independent testing.
Dental floss: Oral-B Glide and similar PTFE-based flosses are made from PFAS. Switch to unwaxed or naturally waxed floss (beeswax or plant-based wax). Brands like Dental Lace and Radius use PFAS-free materials.
Personal care: some shampoos, conditioners, and shaving creams contain PFAS-related compounds for texture. Check ingredient lists for anything containing "fluoro" or "perfluoro."
Laundry and textiles
Stain-resistant fabrics: carpets, upholstery, and clothing marketed as stain-resistant, water-resistant, or wrinkle-free often use PFAS treatments. Outdoor gear (Gore-Tex, DWR coatings) relies on PFAS for water resistance. New alternatives exist from brands transitioning to PFAS-free DWR coatings.
For clothing, choose untreated natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen) when possible. For outerwear, look for brands that have committed to PFAS-free water repellency (Patagonia has transitioned some lines, others are following).
Water filtration
Drinking water is a major PFAS exposure route. Not all filters remove PFAS. Activated carbon (granular or block) reduces some PFAS but is inconsistent across compounds. Reverse osmosis removes 90-99% of PFAS. Ion exchange resins specifically designed for PFAS are the most targeted solution.
Look for filters with NSF/ANSI P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFOA and PFOS reduction. Standard NSF 42 and 53 certifications do not cover PFAS. See our filtration technologies comparison.
Test your water first. If PFAS levels are low or ND, you may not need a PFAS-specific filter. Use our zip code lookup to check your local utility's PFAS data, or commission testing through SimpleLab.
Prioritization
Highest impact: water filtration (daily ingestion) and cookware (heat-activated release). Address these first.
Medium impact: cosmetics and personal care (dermal absorption, daily use). Dental floss (oral mucosa absorption).
Lower impact: textiles (primarily contact exposure). Replace as items wear out rather than discarding everything at once.
For pregnancy-specific PFAS concerns, see our pregnancy and infant safety guide.