Everything in Your Home That Contains PFAS

Over the last decade, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been under fire for all the wrong reasons. This group of manufactured chemicals, known as forever chemicals, is associated with cancer development. 

While there isn’t much evidence to support this claim, researchers have discovered high levels of forever chemicals in the bodies of women who developed uterine, skin, ovarian, and breast cancers. 

Workers in industries like cleaning, construction, and automotive are also exposed to PFAS. However, occupational exposure to PFAS in firefighting industries is of particular concern. 

Multiple studies show that both civilian and military firefighters have been diagnosed with testicular cancer at a higher rate due to exposure to PFAS than those in other occupations. 

PFAS are ubiquitous, meaning they are found everywhere. Now, do you know which items in your home contain PFAS? If not, give this guide a read. We’ll discuss some of the most common products that contain forever chemicals. 

PFAS: An Overview and Their Health Effects

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of large, complex chemicals that are made by humans. Since the 1950s, these chemicals have been used in diverse consumer products, from adhesives and food packaging to furniture. 

PFAS are a matter of concern because they do not disintegrate in the environment. Besides being detrimental to the environment, these chemicals are linked with adverse health effects. 

Limited epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to PFAS increases a person’s risk of developing cancer, such as pancreatic and thyroid tumors, and kidney and testicular cancers. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals are classified as possible human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 

Current research has shown that people working in chemical manufacturing and processing or firefighting are also exposed to PFAS. In fact, firefighters are more likely to die from certain cancers than the general population. That’s because they are constantly exposed to firefighting foams, such as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), whose key ingredient is PFAS.   

A meta-analysis of 32 studies discovered that prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and lymphoma were common among male firefighters. Among women firefighters, incidences of cervical and thyroid cancers and Hodgkin’s disease were high, reveals a study of Florida firefighters. 

Thousands of lawsuits are filed against the manufacturers of AFFF. 3M, DuPont, Chemguard Inc, Chemours, and Tyco Fire Products are a few defendants named in the AFFF lawsuit, notes TorHoerman Law. 

On average, plaintiffs could receive between $200,000 and $500,000 compensation for the firefighter foam cancer lawsuit. 

Items in Your Home That Contain PFAS 

Besides firefighting foam, there are several household products that contain PFAS. Here’s a list of such items: 

#1 Non-Stick Cookware

Non-stick cookware sure has revolutionized the cooking process for home cooks. But did you know that it is a major source of PFAS exposure? 

Earlier, perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, was used to manufacture non-stick cookware. However, PFOA, a type of PFAS, was soon phased out because it was classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” 

Today, most non-stick cookware you come across at the market are PFOA-free. But that doesn’t make them any good. Modern non-stick culinary tools contain tons of other PFAS, which are detrimental to human health. 

Federal testing reveals that PFOA and PFAS are present in the blood of more than 98 percent of Americans. These chemicals remain in the blood even after years of exposure, which is alarming. 

Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Actionable Tips

• Use cast-iron, stainless steel, ceramic, or glass culinary tools instead of non-stick cookware
• Do not heat non-stick cookware above 450ºF

#2 Cosmetics, Especially Waterproof Products

Do you know that the majority of cosmetic products sold on the market are packed with PFAS? 

A recent study revealed that more than half of the foundations, waterproof mascara, and eye and lip products, including liquid lipsticks, had indicators of PFAS. Researchers found high fluorine atoms in products commonly sold with “long-lasting” or “wear-resistant” labels. 

Of the 231 products screened, the ingredients list of many did not disclose the presence of fluorinated compounds. This makes it difficult for consumers to limit exposure to PFAS-containing cosmetics. 

PFAS in cosmetics can accumulate within the human body by penetrating the skin barrier. This increases the risk of cancer, reveals a recent article by PersonalCareInsights. 

Actionable Tips

• Shop makeup products from brands that do not use PFAS in their beauty products
• Use EWG’s Skin Deep guide and Clearya to avoid cosmetics containing PFAS

#3 Grease-Resistant Takeout Food Packaging

We bet you didn’t know that food packaging used at Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Burger King have indicators of PFAS. These chemicals are basically used to make cardboard or paper containers resistant to oil or grease. 

What’s even more surprising is that the so-called “environmentally friendly” bowls used at Sweetgreen contain high amounts of PFAS. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals in fast-food packaging can linger in the human body for years, increasing a person’s risk of thyroid disorders and cancers. 

Actionable Tips

• Avoid heating food in grease-resistant packaging 
• Favor fast food retailers committed to reducing the use of PFAS in their food packaging, like Burger King

Wrapping Up

As these forever chemicals are linked to numerous health issues, taking proactive steps to minimize exposure is important. Besides the above-mentioned stuff, many skincare products, exercise wear, and stain and water-resistant carpeting contain PFAS. 

Websites like the Center for Environmental Health, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Environmental Working Group contain a lot of guides on PFAS-free products. You can refer to them to know what to buy and what not to. Rest assured that thorough research and selective shopping will help you limit your exposure to PFAS.