Although convenient, PFAS are associated with serious health problems and they can remain in the environment forever.

What are they?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as highly fluorinated chemicals or PFCs, are used in many consumer products and industrial applications because of their oil-, stain-, and water-repellent properties. Examples of chemicals in this class include PFOA, PFOS, and more than 10,000 related compounds.

Where are they found?

PFAS are used in carpets, cleaners, clothing, cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, furnishings, outdoor apparel, paints, papers, protective coatings and sealants, and firefighting foams.  Learn more about products that may contain highly fluorinated chemicals.

What are the health concerns?

The most studied of these substances is a chemical called PFOA, which is linked to kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, and thyroid problems and decreased immune response to vaccines in children.

How are we exposed?

Humans are exposed to PFAS through contaminated food, drinking water, air and dust. Products in our homes and workplaces that contain these chemicals contribute to our exposure. PFAS are found in the bodies of 99% of Americans.

What are the environmental concerns?

PFAS do not break down in the environment. Because of this extreme persistence, these chemicals are transported around the globe. They travel long distances and pollute even the most remote places.

“Safer” replacements?

Several so-called “long-chain” PFAS were recently phased out due to their potential for health harm. They have been replaced by numerous “short-chain” and other related chemicals that are equally persistent and may pose similar health risks. To prevent such “regrettable substitutions”, the entire class of PFAS should be avoided. For more on this problem, see our flyer “Fluorinated Alternatives: Myths versus Facts.

What Can You Do?

  • Choose textiles and carpeting without water- and stain-repellency.

  • Avoid food in contact with greaseproof packaging, such as microwave popcorn and some fast food.

  • Avoid personal care products with “perfluor-“, “polyfluor-“, and “PTFE” on the label.

  • Purchase cast iron, glass, or ceramic cookware rather than Teflon.

  • Only purchase waterproof gear when you really need it.

  • Note that “PFOA free” products often use similar chemicals instead.

  • Support companies that are committed to phasing out PFAS.

  • If you are concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, consider installing an in-home filter on your tap.  EWG summarized what is known about the efficacy of the different filter options here.

  • Purchase products made without PFAS. See our PFAS-Free page for ideas.

Resources

  • The Helsingør Statement – 2014 – This consensus statement summarizes the key scientific concerns about the potential impacts of fluorinated alternatives on human health and the environment.
  • The Madrid Statement on Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) – 2015 – The Madrid Statement documents the scientific consensus regarding the persistence and potential for harm of highly fluorinated chemicals, and lays out a roadmap to gather needed information and prevent further harm. This consensus statement has over 250 signatories from 38 countries, representing a variety of scientific disciplines. The statement was published in Environmental Health Perspectives in May 2015. Link to press release.
  • Fluorinated Compounds in U.S. Fast Food Packaging – 2017 – Fluorinated chemicals found in about a third of take-out food packaging samples tested. Previous research has shown these chemicals can migrate from packaging into the food that people eat. Link to press release.


PFAS as a Class:
Press conference with Sen. Blumenthal, Rep. Kildee, & scientists


PFAS as a Class:
Scientists make the case


Webcast introducing the new Highly Fluorinated Chemicals video: Jen Jackson, Tom McKeag, Marty Mulvihill, and Arlene Blum


Introduction to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals:
Jennifer Field, Oregon State University (2013)


Per and Polyfluorinated Compounds:
Health & Environmental Impacts: Mark Strynar, US EPA (2017)


Accumulation of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Food Crops: Chris Higgins, Colorado School of Mines (2017)