What are PFAS? How can I avoid forever chemicals in my home?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of more than 4,000 compounds used in household items that can cause cancer and fertility issues. They can be found in a variety of common products, including waterproof clothing, toys, stain resistant furniture, carpets and textiles, plastic, cosmetics, cookware, and food packaging. The regular use of PFAS has made them a common contaminant of our soil, drinking water, homes, and even our bodies.

Sounds scary, but the good news is that there are specific actions you can take to reduce exposure to PFAS and reduce your risk of serious long-term health issues.

According to experts, it’s not a one-off exposure that may cause dangerous levels of PFAS, but frequent use over an extended period. So, now is a great time to make a change. Here are some areas to focus on.

Don’t let forever chemicals stick around your kitchen.

Nonstick cookware can contain PFAS. Consider switching to cast-iron, stainless steel, or ceramic pots and pans.

Also avoid plastic containers and food packaging that is not labeled as “PFAS free.” Next time you purchase food storage containers, consider switching to silicone products.

And when purchasing food, look for items wrapped in bio-degradable or paper packaging. According to the FDA, grease-proof paper packaging in the U.S. marketplace no longer contains PFAS.

Keep PFAS out of your water. Get a new filter!

In April 2024, the EPA announced a new regulation that will remove six kinds of PFAS from municipal water systems, but this will take years. If you are in an area that potentially has PFAS in your tap water, purchasing a water filter that is NSF certified can help filter out high levels of PFAS. Check out this article to find out more about people and organizations in our region are doing to protect our drinking water in the Pacific Northwest.

That couch might be stain-resistant, but is it worth the PFAS exposure?

Rugs and fabric-covered furniture - including the carpet in your living room, the rug on your floor, or the faux leather stain-resistant chair in your office - can contain forever chemicals.

You probably don’t want to dispose of all these items immediately. But next time you do buy carpets, rugs, clothing, or furniture, look out for stain-resistant and waterproof advertising, and make sure it has a “PFAS free” label on it.

Be strategic about when you purchase stain-resistant and waterproof items, how often you use them, and look for alternatives in the marketplace and where you shop.

Are PFAS in menstrual care products?

According to a consumer study of menstrual care products, PFAS were found in roughly one-fifth of tampons, half of sanitary pads, and two-thirds of period underwear. People who want to reduce their exposure to PFAS can consider the use of medical-grade silicone products like menstrual cups or discs.

The Environmental Working Group (a nonprofit organization known as EWG) put together information about how to navigate period and incontinence products. This information is available on their website.

What is King County doing to reduce exposure?

King County is tackling PFAS contamination by: 

• Testing and monitoring: The County is testing water, soil, and local fish to better understand the extent of PFAS contamination. 
• Conducting research and innovating: Through a partnership with the University of Washington, new methods are being developed to detect PFAS in everyday products. 
• Tracking and supporting policy and legal action: King County supports local and national legislation aimed at banning PFAS in products like firefighting foam and food packaging. The County has also filed a federal lawsuit to hold PFAS manufacturers accountable for environmental contamination.

What else can I do about PFAS?

Staying informed and taking it one step at a time — and one item at a time — can reduce your exposure to forever chemicals and help protect yourself, your family, your community, and the planet.

Learn more about PFAS and what King County is doing to help with reducing risks from PFAS.