How To Avoid Exposure to PFAS: The Forever Chemicals

A community of experts covering technology, society, and personal development.

Published on July 22, 2023

How To: Avoid Exposure to PFAS- aka “The Forever Chemicals”

Protect yourself from the health risks of PFAS chemicals

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

PFAS, or per/polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of man-made products since the 1940s. They are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not easily break down in the environment and in the human body. This means that they can build up over time, even from low level exposures, similarly to lead and mercury poisoning. Over time, exposure can lead to a variety of devastating health effects.

Where are “Forever Chemicals” used?

PFAS are used in a wide variety of synthetic products, including:

Non-stick cookware
Stain-resistant carpets
Water-repellent clothing
Firefighting foam
Paper and cardboard food packaging
Personal hygiene products like dental floss, deodorant, sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups
Beauty products like mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick

PFAS are added to these products because they are water-repellent, stain-resistant, and non-stick. However, these same properties are what make them so difficult to break down in the environment. As a result, PFAS can contaminate soil, water, and air, and can bio-accumulate up the food chain.

Concerns about PFAS exposure began around the 1980s. Studies showed that PFAS compounds could cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, liver damage, and high cholesterol. As a result, DuPont and other companies have phased out the use of Perfluorooctanoic acid (a type of PFAS) in their products.

Nevertheless, other PFAS compounds are still widely used in many products today. These compounds are also increasingly found as contaminants in soil, water, and . As a result, people continue to be exposed to PFAS compounds, whether or not they directly use the products that contain them.

What are the health impacts of “forever chemicals”?

The health effects of PFAS exposure are still being studied. The EPA has set a health advisory level for PFAS of 70 parts per trillion in drinking water. However, some experts believe that even this level is too high, and that even very low levels of PFAS exposure can be harmful since these amounts can bio-accumulate in the body over time. PFAS exposure has ben linked to a variety of health problems, including:

Scientists are still working to determine the safety thresholds for PFAS exposure. Even at low levels of exposure, PFAS can accumulate in your body to levels that have a negative impact on your health. With this in mind, it is best to avoid products that contain PFAS and to take steps to reduce your exposure.

How can you avoid exposure?

Affiliate link disclosure: purchasing via the link below supports our writing at no extra cost to you.

There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your exposure to PFAS:

Avoid products that contain PFAS, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, and firefighting foam.

Purchase PFAS free carpets (or even better, replace carpets with hardwood or vinyl plank floors)
Replace non-stick cookware with stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron pans (if you have an induction stove or plan to get one, check your new pans for compatibility)

How To: Maintain Your Cast Iron Cookware

These pans will last a lifetime if you treat them well. Read on for our collection of maintenance tips.

Wash your hands frequently, especially after coming into contact with products that may contain PFAS (e.g. waterproofing sprays). If you must use an aerosol spray that includes PFAS, make sure you are in a well ventilated area and use a mask.

According to a recent study, nearly half of the US drinking water supply is contaminated with PFAS. PFAS compounds also continue to be used in processed and fast food packaging.

Eat a healthy diet low in processed foods, and avoid fast food
Avoid eating out of any paper food package (e.g. microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, etc.), or at the very least do not store or reheat the food in this packaging
Use a water filter (under sink or jug) for your drinking water

PFAS compounds can also be found in cosmetics, menstrual and personal hygiene products like dental floss..

Switch to PFAS free cosmetics and hygiene products (dental floss)

By following the tips outlined above, you can reduce your risk of exposure to PFAS and protect your health.

You can also support any legislation that bans PFAS from products. Contact your elected officials to let them know that you are concerned about PFAS exposure and want it removed from food, hygiene, and other products. Given the nature of these chemicals, the best way to minimize future exposure is to get it out of our product supply chains.

Citizen Upgrade is a community of experts covering technology, society, and personal development. Visit us at our website, on Facebook, or on Twitter. Join our mailing list to access more great content and other helpful resources.