Free Guide to PFAS Chemicals in Your Home

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Where Are They Found?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in various industries since the 1940s. The term PFAS refers to a large group of chemicals—over 4,700 different types—that share a common chemical structure. What makes PFAS unique and problematic is their durability. These chemicals break down very slowly in the environment and in the human body, which is why scientists sometimes call them "forever chemicals."

PFAS chemicals were originally developed because they have useful properties: they repel water and oil, resist heat, and don't stick to surfaces easily. These qualities made them valuable for industrial and commercial uses. However, these same properties that made them useful also mean they persist in our environment and our bodies for decades.

You can find PFAS in many common household products. Non-stick cookware like Teflon-coated pans contains PFAS. Water-resistant fabrics used in outdoor clothing, furniture upholstery, and carpet treatments often include these chemicals. Food packaging materials—the paper or cardboard used for fast-food containers, microwave popcorn bags, and takeout boxes—frequently contain PFAS to prevent grease from soaking through. Some cosmetics and personal care products include PFAS compounds. Certain fire-fighting foams used at airports, military bases, and by fire departments have historically contained high levels of PFAS.

Beyond consumer products, PFAS contamination can occur through water and soil. Groundwater near manufacturing facilities, landfills, and sites where firefighting foams were used can become contaminated with PFAS. This contamination can then spread to drinking water supplies. Some PFAS chemicals have been found in rainwater and even in food crops grown in contaminated soil.

Practical takeaway: PFAS chemicals are widespread in modern life and persist in the environment. Understanding where they originate helps you identify potential sources in your home and daily routine.

Health Concerns and What Research Shows

Scientific research has identified several health concerns associated with PFAS exposure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certain PFAS chemicals, particularly PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), have been linked to health effects in laboratory and human studies. The EPA notes that PFAS exposure may be associated with increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, thyroid disease, pancreatic issues, and immune system effects.

Studies have shown that PFAS chemicals accumulate in the human body over time. Once you're exposed to PFAS, these chemicals don't break down easily in your system. They can remain in your blood for years. This bioaccumulation means that even small, regular exposures can lead to higher concentrations in your body over months and years.

Certain groups may face higher exposure risks. People living near industrial facilities or military bases, those who work in manufacturing or firefighting, and individuals who consume large amounts of contaminated food or water may have elevated PFAS levels. Additionally, infants and young children may be more susceptible to certain health effects from PFAS exposure because their bodies are still developing.

The research is ongoing, and scientists continue to study the full range of health effects from PFAS exposure. Different PFAS chemicals may have different effects on human health. Some PFAS compounds that manufacturers have phased out are now being replaced with alternatives that scientists are still evaluating. This means our understanding of PFAS health risks continues to evolve as new research emerges.

In 2023, the EPA announced new drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS, setting maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 2 ppt for PFOS. These standards reflect the agency's assessment of health risks associated with long-term drinking water exposure to these chemicals.

Practical takeaway: PFAS chemicals can accumulate in your body and have been linked to various health concerns. Understanding the risks helps you make informed decisions about reducing exposure in your home.

Testing Your Home Water and Products

If you want to understand your potential PFAS exposure, testing is one way to gather information. You can test your home's drinking water, and you can also research the products you use daily to determine which ones contain PFAS.

For drinking water testing, you have several options. Some states offer water testing through their health departments or environmental agencies. The EPA provides a list of certified laboratories in your area that can test for PFAS. Many of these laboratories charge fees ranging from $100 to $300 for PFAS testing, depending on how many different PFAS chemicals they test for and your location. You can contact your local public water system to ask whether they've tested for PFAS and what their results showed. Public water systems serving more than 50,000 people were required to monitor for certain PFAS by 2023. If you use a private well, you may need to arrange private testing.

When selecting a laboratory, look for one certified by your state environmental agency. The EPA maintains a database of certified labs. When you contact a lab, ask them which PFAS chemicals they test for—many labs test for the most common ones like PFOA and PFOS, but some test for a broader range of PFAS compounds.

Beyond water testing, you can research the products in your home. Check the product labels and manufacturer websites for mentions of PFAS, water-resistant treatments, or non-stick coatings. Some manufacturers now label their products as PFAS-free. The "Safer Chemical, Healthy Families" coalition maintains a searchable database of PFAS use in consumer products. Environmental organizations like the Silent Spring Institute provide resources about PFAS in common household items.

You can also examine your food packaging. Look at takeout containers, fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and food storage containers. Many manufacturers have begun switching to PFAS-free packaging alternatives and will note this on their labels or websites.

Practical takeaway: Testing your water and researching your household products provides concrete information about potential PFAS sources in your home environment.

Practical Steps to Reduce PFAS Exposure at Home

There are numerous steps you can take in your home to reduce your exposure to PFAS chemicals. These changes range from simple product substitutions to modifications in cooking and food storage practices.

When it comes to cookware, consider alternatives to traditional non-stick pans. Cast iron cookware, stainless steel, and ceramic cookware don't require PFAS-containing coatings. If you currently use non-stick cookware, avoid overheating it, as heating PFAS-coated pans to very high temperatures may release PFAS chemicals into the air. Keep your non-stick cookware in good condition—don't use it if the coating is scratched or peeling, as damaged coatings may shed particles.

For food storage, replace plastic food containers and plastic wrap with alternatives. Glass containers with metal or silicone lids work well for storing leftovers. Stainless steel containers are another option. When buying packaged foods, look for products packaged in glass or materials labeled as PFAS-free. Avoid using plastic wrap directly on food, especially fatty foods, since PFAS chemicals are oil-resistant and may transfer more readily to fatty foods. Paper parchment without coating can replace traditional parchment paper.

For textiles and furniture, when purchasing new clothing, furniture, or carpet, look for items labeled as water-resistant without PFAS treatment, or choose untreated options. Some manufacturers now specifically market PFAS-free water-resistant clothing. For stain-resistant furniture treatments, ask manufacturers whether they use PFAS-free formulations before making purchases.

Regarding drinking water, consider whether filtration might be appropriate for your situation. Certain types of water filters can reduce PFAS in drinking water, though no filter removes all PFAS compounds. Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems can reduce some PFAS, though effectiveness varies. If you have concerns about your water, testing first helps you understand whether filtering makes sense for your household.

In your kitchen, reduce consumption of foods packaged in PFAS-containing materials. Buy foods in bulk when possible, use farmers' markets for fresh produce, and choose foods in