This blog is part of a series on chemical ingredients that are commonly used in consumer products.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of approximately 14,000 synthetic chemicals that have attracted significant attention due to their persistence in the environment and their impacts on human health. These chemicals are commonly used for their water and grease resistance, making them prevalent in a wide range of consumer products.
While only a handful of PFAS are formally classified as hazardous, a growing body of evidence indicates that all PFAS are likely to have harmful health and environmental effects. Since so many chemicals are included in this class and their uses are so widespread, tracking down all the products containing PFAS proves challenging for consumers and manufacturers alike. For example, PFAS are often used in raw materials – and those proprietary ingredient formulas are often not fully disclosed to the final product manufacturer.
At Green Seal, we are committed to eliminating PFAS from the supply chain for consumer products. We are among the first eco-certifiers to enact an aggressive ingredient prohibition that addresses PFAS as an entire chemical class. This means that both manufacturers and consumers can be confident that Green Seal-certified products are formulated without PFAS.
Here, we’ll dive into the uses and impacts of PFAS, as well as tips for avoiding PFAS in household products.
Defining PFAS
PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, making PFAS extremely resistant to breakdown in the environment and the human body. This persistence is why they are termed “forever chemicals.”
These substances have been in use since the 1940s, primarily in industrial applications. Over time, their unique properties have led to their incorporation into a wide variety of consumer products. However, the stability and resistance to degradation that make PFAS useful also contribute to their potential for long-term environmental and health effects.
How PFAS Are Used in Consumer Products
PFAS are used in myriad consumer products because of their ability to repel water, oil, and grease. In the kitchen, they are notoriously found in non-stick cookware, where they provide a smooth, non-stick surface that simplifies cooking and cleaning.
Beyond the kitchen, PFAS are used in waterproof clothing and outdoor gear to enhance their resistance to moisture. They’re also integral to producing stain-resistant treatments for carpets and upholstery, providing a protective barrier that prevents stains from penetrating fabric fibers. Their common applications don’t stop there: Today, PFAS are found in everything from food packaging such as microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, to paints, coatings, cosmetics, and even some cleaning products.
Examples of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
There are thousands of different PFAS, but some of the most notable examples include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOA was widely used in non-stick cookware production, while PFOS was a key ingredient in fabric protectors. Both PFOA and PFOS have largely been phased out of manufacturing in the U.S. due to their known health and environmental effects, but in many cases, manufacturers have replaced these chemicals with other, lesser-studied PFAS.
Another significant example is GenX, which was developed as a replacement for PFOA in the production of non-stick coatings. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative, a chemical toxicity assessment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found GenX is even more toxic than PFOA.
Other examples of PFAS include perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), which are used in various industrial applications and consumer products.
The Problem with PFAS
PFAS are persistent in the environment, with evidence that some chemicals are so resistant to degradation that they could persist for hundreds of years. They are now found in drinking water and bioaccumulate in both soil and humans, with some chemicals taking more than eight years to reach their half-life — or reduce their concentration by 50 percent in the human body.
Exposure to PFAS is linked with numerous adverse health effects, including impacts on the endocrine system; liver damage; thyroid disease; decreased fertility; an increased risk of certain cancers such as prostate, testicular, and kidney; and decreased immune responses — including our body’s ability to develop beneficial antibodies in response to vaccines.
Regulatory agencies, including the EPA, have established advisory levels for some individual PFAS in drinking water and are working toward more stringent regulations. In addition, several states have begun enacting legislation to prohibit the use of PFAS in certain consumer products. Despite these efforts, PFAS chemicals continue to be widespread in the environment and in many consumer products. Their persistence in the environment further complicates efforts to mitigate the impact of PFAS.
Avoiding PFAS
Reducing your exposure to PFAS involves making informed choices about the products you use, but avoiding it entirely is unlikely. To lower your risk for exposure:
- Opt for alternatives to non-stick cookware, such as stainless steel or cast iron.
- Choose water-resistant clothing and outdoor gear that do not use intentionally added PFAS or chose brands and retailers that have committed to banning PFAS as a company policy.
- Choose carpets, furniture, and rugs without stain-resistant treatments.
- Be cautious with food packaging, including fast food packaging and microwave popcorn.
- Consider using a drinking water filter that is certified to reduce PFAS levels.
- Buy Green Seal-certified products when possible (you can shop for household products here).
Staying informed and making conscious decisions can help you reduce your exposure to PFAS, contributing to a healthier lifestyle and environment. Supporting companies that prioritize safer alternatives and advocating for stronger regulations that eliminate all PFAS from the supply chain can also help drive broader changes and lead to a healthier future for you and your family.