Over the past few years there’s been a lot of buzz about PFAS aka “forever chemicals” in popular still and sparkling water brands like Topo Chico. However, we need more consumer awareness around the severity and extent of the PFAS issue—that today, PFAS are everywhere and it’s impossible to completely avoid them. Let’s dig in to understand why, how PFAS are relevant to you, and share some practical information that you can use on your journey to better health.

A Simple Explanation of PFAS

“PFAS,” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “forever chemicals,” are synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to water and grease; they’ve been used in products across the globe, like non-stick cookware, water-repellant apparel, stain-resistant carpets, cosmetics, and firefighting foam since the 1940s. But you could Google “PFAS” for a similar, generic definition.

The less emphasized, big “so what” when it comes to PFAS is they aren’t just one, two, or even three chemicals, they’re a group of nearly 15,000 manmade chemicals and that number will continue to grow as new ones are developed. Think of PFAS as the category—like pants, there’s many types: jeans, cargo, linen, sweatpants, joggers, etc., but in the case of PFAS, there are thousands.

When it comes to regulations, it’s important to note that all PFAS are NOT regulated. With increased attention over the years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to set new regulatory limits for PFAS in public drinking water, for example, but these limits apply to only a handful of the thousands of PFAS. If you’re interested in digging into the regulations, you can find the latest ones here.

When it comes to health effects, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of all PFAS on human health. However, existing studies on the most well-known compounds already point to serious health risks, including increased cholesterol, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid dysfunction.

To help you get familiar with the terms, here’s a subset of PFAS you might come across:

PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate)

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)

PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid)

PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonate)

PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic acid)

PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid)

PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid)

PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid)

PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid)

PFDoDA (Perfluorododecanoic acid)

PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid)

FOSA (Perfluorooctane sulfonamide)

You might recognize, “PFOA,” the second term on the list, from the movie Dark Waters. I won’t go into the specifics of the class action lawsuit against DuPont, but I want to point out that the havoc caused in that case was due to only one of the thousands of PFAS—that’s the magnitude of the PFAS problem.

Because PFAS like the ones above have been used in so many products globally, and are persistent and bioaccumulate, they can be found everywhere, from the soil, water, and air to the products we consume on a daily basis. Persistent and bioaccumulate essentially means that something remains in the environment “forever” (including our bodies) and builds-up with additional exposure over time. This is why PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals.”

PFAS can even exist in products when they’re not intentionally added during the manufacturing process. For example, PFAS were found in organic eggs in Denmark—the source of the PFAS was chicken feed, which contained fishmeal. So yes, PFAS can even be found in foods like eggs, meat, dairy, vegetables, and rice. Unfortunately, we live in a world where it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid PFAS.

Reducing Your Exposure to PFAS

If you can’t avoid PFAS completely, then practically speaking, what can you do to at least limit your exposure? Well, you’ve already accomplished the first step, increasing your awareness so that you can question and research the products you consume. I don’t suggest that you jump down the rabbit hole of researching every single item you come into contact with as this can cause a lot of anxiety—I’ve been there.

Here are some practical tips for reducing PFAS exposure:

1. Avoid Bottled Water

Bottled water and some tap water sources may contain PFAS and other harmful contaminants. Instead of relying on bottled water, invest in a high-quality water filter that removes PFAS and other toxins. Look for filters specifically designed for this purpose, such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems.

2. Avoid Packaged Foods

Packaging, especially plastic and certain coatings, may contain PFAS. Reduce exposure by choosing whole, unpackaged foods whenever possible. If packaging is necessary, choose glass or paper over plastic to minimize risks.

3. Choose Glass Over Plastic

Whenever possible, opt for glass instead of plastic—especially for food storage containers, drinkware, and cookware. Unlike plastic, glass doesn’t leach harmful chemicals like PFAS or BPA.

4. Watch Out for “Water-Resistant” Products

Products marketed as stain-resistant or water-resistant often contain PFAS, as these chemicals provide resistance to water, grease, and stains. Be sure to research these products and identify brands that have eliminated PFAS from their products.

5. Leave Your Shoes at the Door

To avoid tracking PFAS into your home, make it a habit to leave your shoes at the door. This simple step can help minimize contamination inside your living space.

6. Wash Your Carpets

Many carpets are manufactured with PFAS to make them stain- and water-resistant. If you’re unsure whether your carpets contain PFAS, clean them using non-toxic, safe cleaners. When replacing older carpets, consider opting for PFAS-free alternatives.

7. Familiarize Yourself with PFAS-Free Brands

As awareness of PFAS grows, more brands are discontinuing the use of these chemicals. Research companies and products committed to eliminating PFAS from their manufacturing processes to make safer, more informed purchases.

These basic tips, which over time you can evolve to fit your lifestyle and goals, provide a good foundation for reducing PFAS exposure. Remember, small, consistent changes can lead to significant progress—so take it one step at a time.