Sources of PFAS in the home
PFAS chemicals are all around us. They may be in the products we use and in the water we drink. Knowing where PFAS is coming from in the home is an important first step to address exposures and optimize your health.
Almost all non-stick cookware is coated in PFAS, which leach into your food if heated too much or when the surface of the pan is scratched or damaged
Most stain- or water-resistant carpets, rugs, furniture, and clothing are treated with PFAS, which gets into the air and absorbs through the skin
PFAS pollution is widespread across the US, meaning both tap water and bottled water often contain PFAS. This makes water one of the most common sources of exposure.
Check if your furniture is stain resistant and replace it if needed.
Replace any damaged nonstick pans. Stainless steel and cast iron are good alternatives.
Use filters for your drinking water. Choose ones that are able to remove PFAS.
There are over 10,000 different PFAS chemicals used in all sorts of products. Almost any product that is non-stick, stain-resistant, or water-repellant contains PFAS. In the home, major sources of PFAS include furniture, carpets, rugs, and other treated materials. Household cleaning products like glass cleaners, fabric cleaners and treatments, floor waxes and polishes, and dishwasher rinse aids are also culprits. Products that have high gloss or longer-lasting features also typically contain PFAS, especially cosmetics, makeup, and personal products, as well as shave gel, dental floss, and bandages.
The most common way that we are exposed to PFAS is through eating or drinking PFAS-contaminated food and water. However, PFAS can also be inhaled when using aerosolized products that contain PFAS or when PFAS-treated materials create dust (think of dust from carpets and furniture). Lastly, PFAS can also absorb through the skin, especially if cosmetics or water-proof clothing that contain high levels of PFAS are used every day.
Municipal water suppliers typically provide an annual water quality report and include information about PFAS levels. For additional information, other resources like Tap Score’s City Water Project and the Environmental Working Group’s PFAS contamination map are good sources.
Aside from PFAS-contaminated water, which is very common, food packaging and wrapping materials is a frequent source of PFAS exposure. Things like chip bags, cookie or cracker bags, and microwave popcorn bags are all lined with PFAS to extend shelf life or prevent sticking. Fast food and to-go wrappers and containers also typically contain PFAS. Highly processed foods may also contain PFAS that is introduced from the machinery used in processing. And last but not least, farmed fish that is grown near contaminated sites also contain PFAS.
Evidence is increasingly linking PFAS exposure to significant adverse health outcomes. These include several forms of cancer as well as reproductive health issues and organ damage among others. As a result, it is important to understand which PFAS substances are present in your body and in what quantities.
Relentless Health's toxin tests are available to be purchased and used by anyone in the United States, except for residents of the state of New York. This is due to New York's state regulations for lab testing. We hope to make our tests available in NY soon.
