You’ve likely encountered the term PFAS in recent news, and perhaps you’re aware of the significant health concerns associated with them. However, many individuals still lack a clear understanding of what PFAS are and how to effectively minimize their exposure. This consumer’s guide focuses specifically on “a consumer’s guide to drinking water” and other sources of PFAS contamination, offering practical advice to protect your health.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) represent a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics. These substances are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their exceptional persistence in the environment and the human body.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a wide array of adverse health effects, including various types of cancer, hormonal imbalances, decreased infant birth weights, digestive inflammation, and reduced immune response to vaccines. Emerging research consistently suggests that no level of PFAS exposure is entirely safe.
Use this consumer’s guide below to minimize your exposure to PFAS, especially through drinking water, and share it with your friends and family.
PFAS Consumer Guide
| Item & Problem | Avoid | Alternative | Look for pfas-free certificationfrom these labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking Water | |||
| Problem: PFAS are often found in drinking water, including bottled water (which usually contains tap water) | Avoid: Avoid unfiltered tap water if PFAS is present** and all bottled water | Alternative: Invest in a water filter certified to eliminate PFAS, and travel with refillable, stainless steel water bottles | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: For water filters only: NSF 53 and NSF 58 certified filters |
| Food Storage | |||
| Problem: Plastic and grease-proof containers can transfer PFAS into food | Avoid: Plastic food storage, storing and reheating take-out in plastic containers or fast-food wrapping | Alternative: Purchase food in glass containers, and repurpose them to store and reheat home-cooked food and leftovers | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: None* |
| Plastic dishware and utensils | |||
| Problem: Plastic and single-use dishware can expose people to PFAS | Avoid: Plastic dishes, plastic sippy cups, plastic utensils | Alternative: Dishware and utensils made from glass, ceramic, porcelain, silicone, or stainless steel | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: None* |
| Cookware | |||
| Problem: PFAS has been well-documented in pans with special coatings (e.g. Teflon). Be wary of pans claimed to be PFOA/PFOS-free. | Avoid: Products with Teflon and other nonstick coatings | Alternative: Stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, glass | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: None* |
| Personal hygiene products | |||
| Problem: PFAS are found products like shampoo, lotion, and dental floss | Avoid: Avoid products containing “perfluor-,” “polyfluor-,” “PFC, “or “PTFE” | Alternative: Products made with natural, recognizable ingredients (plant oils, aloe, cocoa butter) | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: C2C, Green Seal |
| Products in plastic containers | |||
| Problem: Plastic containers can leach PFAS into personal care products | Avoid: Products sold in plastic containers | Alternative: Shampoo bars, glass containers, purchasing items from “bulk bins” | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: None* |
| Makeup | |||
| Problem: PFAS in makeup can be readily absorbed into the body | Avoid: Avoid “waterproof” products and those containing “perfluor-,” “polyfluor-,” “PFC,” or “PTFE” | Alternative: Products made with natural, recognizable ingredients (plant oils, aloe, cocoa butter) | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: C2C, Green Seal |
| Menstrual products | |||
| Problem: PFAS are found in menstrual pads, tampons, and period underwear | Avoid: Brands not certified to be PFAS-free | Alternative: Silicone menstrual cups, fabric liners/pads, or certified PFAS-free brands | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: Oeko-Tek, BlueSign |
| Fabric | |||
| Problem: PFAS are found in synthetic fabrics, especially when labeled as water proof or stain proof. | Avoid: Synthetic fibers and their coatings (polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic) | Alternative: Natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool, hemp) | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: BlueSign, Green Screen, Oeko-Tek, C2C |
| Activewear and rain gear | |||
| Problem: PFAS are found in many activewear items | Avoid: Clothing labeled “waterproof” or “stain resistant” | Alternative: Clothing made with naturalfibers or certified PFAS-free | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: BlueSign, Green Screen, Oeko-Tek, C2C |
| Cleaning Products | |||
| Problem: PFAS are found in cleaning products | Avoid: Cleaning products with a large percentage of PFAS in them | Alternative: Cleaning products made with natural, recognizable ingredients (castile soap, essential oils), or clean with vinegar and baking soda | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: Green Seal, C2C, Green Screen |
| Dust | |||
| Problem: PFAS from products like carpets and rugs accumulates in household dust | Avoid: Allowing dust to accumulate | Alternative: Dust with wet cloths, change furnace filters often, consider HEPA filters for your HVAC system and vaccum | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: |
| interior exterior paint | |||
| Problem: PFAS in paint can leach into the air and dust | Avoid: Paints with fluorosurfactants (Capstone FS-30, CapstoneFS-64, S-106A) | Alternative: Paints certified to be PFAS-free | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: Green Seal, C2C |
| synthetic flooring and coatings | |||
| Problem: Flooring can expose household members to PFAS | Avoid: Vinyl flooring and stain-resistant carpet | Alternative: Natural flooring (wood, bamboo) or certified PFAS-free carpet | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: C2C |
| furniture | |||
| Problem: Furniture coatings can expose household members to PFAS | Avoid: Stain-resistant coatings | Alternative: Products without stain resistance, or those that are certified PFAS-free | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: BIFMA, C2C, Green Screen |
| home gardening products | |||
| Problem: PFAS have been found in pesticides, as well as plastic gardening supplies | Avoid: Pesticides, plastic weedbarriers, plastic pots | Alternative: Use natural pesticides like essential oils, and use newspaper and leafmulch as a weed barrier | Look for pfas-free certification from these labels: None* |
Understanding PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water
The presence of PFAS in drinking water is a widespread concern. These chemicals can enter water sources through various pathways, including industrial discharge, firefighting foam, and runoff from contaminated sites.
Bottled water is not necessarily a safe alternative to tap water, as it often originates from municipal water sources and may also contain PFAS. The best approach to ensure safe drinking water is to take proactive measures to filter your water supply.
How to Choose the Right Water Filter for PFAS Removal
Investing in a water filter certified to remove PFAS is a critical step in protecting yourself and your family. Look for filters that have been tested and certified by independent organizations like NSF International. NSF Standard 53 and NSF Standard 58 are specific certifications for filters that reduce PFAS levels.
There are two main types of filters effective against PFAS:
- Activated Carbon Filters: These filters adsorb PFAS onto the surface of the carbon. They are generally more affordable but may require more frequent replacement.
- Reverse Osmosis Filters: These filters use pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing PFAS and other contaminants. They are more expensive but offer a higher level of filtration.
When selecting a filter, consider the following factors:
- Certification: Ensure the filter is certified to remove PFAS by NSF or another reputable organization.
- Filter Capacity: Check the filter’s lifespan and how often it needs to be replaced.
- Flow Rate: Consider the water flow rate to ensure it meets your household’s needs.
- Cost: Compare the initial cost of the filter and the cost of replacement cartridges.
Beyond Water: Minimizing PFAS Exposure in Other Areas
While focusing on drinking water is crucial, it’s equally important to reduce PFAS exposure from other sources.
Food Storage and Preparation
- Avoid storing food in plastic containers, especially when reheating.
- Opt for glass containers for food storage and reheating.
- Be cautious of grease-proof food packaging, as it may contain PFAS.
Cookware
- Avoid non-stick cookware with Teflon or other PFAS-based coatings.
- Choose alternatives like stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, or glass cookware.
Personal Care Products and Cosmetics
- Read product labels carefully and avoid products containing “perfluor-,” “polyfluor-,” “PFC,” or “PTFE.”
- Choose products with natural, recognizable ingredients.
- Consider shampoo bars and products in glass containers to reduce exposure from plastic leaching.
Clothing and Fabrics
- Avoid synthetic fabrics, especially those labeled as waterproof or stain-resistant.
- Choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and hemp.
- Look for fabrics with PFAS-free certifications like BlueSign, Green Screen, Oeko-Tex, and C2C.
Cleaning Products
- Choose cleaning products with natural ingredients like castile soap and essential oils.
- Consider using vinegar and baking soda as natural cleaning alternatives.
Home Environment
- Dust regularly with wet cloths to prevent PFAS accumulation.
- Change furnace filters frequently.
- Consider using HEPA filters in your HVAC system and vacuum cleaner.
- Avoid vinyl flooring and stain-resistant carpets.
Taking Control of Your PFAS Exposure
Reducing your exposure to PFAS requires vigilance and informed choices. By focusing on your drinking water and being mindful of other potential sources, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. Remember to stay informed about the latest research and recommendations regarding PFAS and make informed decisions based on the available information.
* With the complexity of testing for thousands of types of PFAS, and fledgling legislation, several types of consumer goods currently have no guidance or certification system available.
** You can check your annual water quality report for detectable levels of certain PFAS, if your water comes from a mid-size or larger water system. Community water systems serving more than 10,000 people and a selection of smaller systems are required to test for 29 forms of PFAS. If any of these toxic compounds are detected, those results will be listed in the water system’s annual water quality report.
