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Household Products That Contain PFAS
Some of the most common household products where PFAS can be found include:
- Cosmetics
- Personal care products including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap
- Cleaning supplies like dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent
- Food packagings like microwave popcorn bags or pizza boxes
- Non-stick cookware such as Teflon pans
- Water-repellent fabrics for outdoor gear such as tents or camping equipment
These are just a few of the household products that expose consumers to PFAS forever chemicals. It is important to read labels carefully when shopping for household items and avoid buying anything with “PFOA” or “PFOS” on the label.
Related Article: PFAS Exposure Lawsuit Update
PFAS in Drinking Water
Recent laboratory tests conducted by the Environmental Group (EWG) have identified PFAS in the drinking water of dozens of U.S. cities, including major metropolitan areas. The results confirm that the number of Americans exposed to PFAS from contaminated tap water has been dramatically underestimated by previous studies.
Based on EWG’s tests and new studies which have found PFAS widespread in rainwater, scientists now believe PFAS is likely detectable in all major water supplies in the U.S., almost certainly in all that use surface water.
Effects of PFAS on Household Products
It is possible to mitigate your risk of PFAS exposure, but not entirely if you have already been exposed. The most obvious risk of PFAS exposure is in drinking water that has been tainted with the chemicals, especially in areas with high levels of firefighting foam runoff.
The health effects of how we ingest PFAS are still not clearly understood; however, animal studies have found that high exposure to PFAS has some consistently negative effects on health, including:
- Disrupting hormone distribution
- Abnormally high cholesterol levels
- Weakened immune system
- Cancer
Are Governments Taking Steps to Ban PFAS?
Yes. In June 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) branded 172 PFAS chemicals as toxic, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently encouraging local manufacturers to phase out certain PFAS in food packaging by January 2024. Some states including New York, California, and Vermont, have agreed to start completely banning PFAS in food packaging by the beginning of 2023.
FAQs
How can I identify products that contain PFAS?
Identifying products containing PFAS can be challenging as they are not always listed on labels. Look for terms like “non-stick,” “stain-resistant,” “water-repellent,” or specific brand names known to use PFAS. Checking product specifications and researching brands can help.
What non-stick cookware contains PFAS?
Non-stick cookware, such as pans and bakeware coated with Teflon or similar substances, often contains PFAS. These coatings provide the non-stick properties that make cooking and cleaning easier but can release PFAS into the environment and food.
What food packaging materials contain PFAS?
PFAS can be found in grease-resistant paper, fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and other food packaging materials designed to repel oil and moisture. These chemicals can migrate into the food, leading to exposure.
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