They’re in your makeup, toilet paper, shampoo and even in your microwave popcorn. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are designed to resist water, oil, and stains, but what they don’t resist is time. These synthetic compounds linger in our bodies and our environment for decades, raising red flags about their impact on human health, wildlife, and the planet. The scariest part? You’re probably using them every single day without realizing it.
What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals and have been in use since the 1950s. They persist in their current form because they contain a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. This is a powerful bond, one of the strongest in chemistry.
In the 1930s, PFAS chemistry was discovered, and by the 1950s, they were in everyday use, made using electrochemical fluorination (EFC) or fluorotelomerization. There are a variety of PFAS substances, which include:
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Side-chain fluorinated polymers
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Perfluoroalkyl acids
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Polyfluoroalkyl surfactants
The risk of these chemicals became apparent in the 1990s. In the 2000s, a variety of long-chain PFAS (the most persistent) were phased out, with companies moving to replace them with nonfluorinated chemicals. This included PFOS, PFOA and their precursors. However, these substances remain in the environment and in certain household goods, many of which people tend to keep around for extended periods, extending the problem into the future.
Where Are Forever Chemicals Found in Consumer Products?
Forever chemicals are most often used in three specific areas in consumer products, and one more that is of concern for everyone.
Household Items
Some of your most used household items may include PFAS. Primarily, PFAS are found in non-stick cookware such as Teflon and in stain-resistant carpets and furniture. Because non-stick cookware is obviously in contact with food, it's one of the ways PFAS can get into your body.
Personal Care Products
PFAS may be found in a variety of personal care products, including:
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Toilet paper
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Feminine hygiene products
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Waterproof makeup
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Waterproof sunscreens
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Shampoo
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Dental floss
Food Packaging
PFAS are often used in fast food wrappers and are also found in microwave popcorn bags, where they are often used to keep the bag from catching fire in the microwave.
Clothing and Outdoor Gear
Many rain jackets and rain pants contain PFAS. You might also find them in stain-repellent clothing and in some other outdoor gear, including tents.
Firefighting Foam
The most effective firefighting foam contains PFAS. Unfortunately, this results in exposure for firefighters. A lot of work is being done on making firefighting foam that is PFAS-free but still effective.
The Hidden Risks of PFAS Exposure
PFAS can enter the human body through ingestion, absorption, or inhalation. Ingestion is a particular concern given the use of PFAS in cookware and food wrappers. They can also enter drinking water, from which they are challenging to remove, and contaminate the watershed in general, affecting fish. PFAS exposure is generally low, and PFAS are eventually excreted from the body through urine and menstruation. Unfortunately, PFAS are also commonly excreted through breast milk, exposing infants.
Vulnerable Populations
The following populations are particularly vulnerable to PFAS:
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Women and others who can become pregnant. PFAS are linked to disruptions in reproductive hormones, causing problems when pregnant and, as already mentioned, PFAS can be excreted in breastmilk.
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Children. Very young children are more vulnerable to PFAS exposure in general due to their tendency to put everything in their mouths.
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Marginalized communities. Marginalized communities are more likely to be downstream of PFAS-producing facilities and closer to contaminated water sources. This particularly impacts Indigenous communities and low-income neighbourhoods.
Long-Term Health Risks
Although PFAS are generally eventually excreted, there are indicators that they might be connected to a variety of long-term health risks, which include:
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Cancer, particularly of the kidney or testicles. There may also be links with breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate, thyroid cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and childhood leukemia. Risks are highest for people employed in the production of PFAS-containing products.
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Fertility issues caused by hormonal disruption. These issues primarily affect women and lower the rate of both conception and live birth.
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Immune system dysregulation and suppression. PFAS have been shown to reduce antibody response after vaccination.
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Liver and kidney damage.
Studies continue to find links between PFAS and all kinds of health problems.
Environmental Impact
PFAS in water and soil can contaminate crops, drinking water, and the water consumed by wildlife. These chemicals can accumulate in the food chain, having the worst impact on apex predators. This environmental impact primarily occurs when PFAS-containing products are spilled or disposed of.
It can also be emitted into the air, and we currently lack a reliable sampling method or an effective way to track its impact on air quality. Fish can be a significant source of exposure for both humans and animals that eat fish.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
So, how can you reduce PFAS exposure? These chemicals can be complex to avoid, but here are some practical tips:
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Avoid non-stick cookware. Choose ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel instead. There are also some newer non-stick technologies being developed that don't use PFAS.
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Read labels on all of your cosmetics and cleaning products. Learn what these chemicals are called. For example, trifluoro propyl, triethoxysilane, and polytetrafluoroethylene are all PFAS chemicals that can be found in cosmetics. The EWG Skin Deep database is a great resource.
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Filter your drinking water using an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Note that these filters are also the best way to deal with lead.
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Choose clothing, outdoor gear, and home products that use other methods to resist stains and water.
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Be careful when disposing of older household products that might contain PFAS.
Look for PFAS-free certified products. Check for certificates from the National Science Foundation (NSF) or GreenScreen. Always double-check any certification to make sure it's solid.
Avoiding PFAS is not just about protecting your health. It's about supporting the entire environment.
How GreenBirdi Protects You from Forever Chemicals
You can trust us to protect you, your family, and the environment from dangerous forever chemicals. We vet every product through our CARES Framework (Cultural sustainability, Authentic wellbeing, Regenerative ecosystems, Equitable economics, and Social responsibility), and that includes checking for the use of PFAS and other harmful chemicals. We give our products the GreenBirdi Seal of Approval, showing that they are free from chemicals and are not greenwashed.
We also prioritize women-led and Indigenous-owned suppliers, choosing partners who advocate for safe, clean, and responsible practices. Shop GreenBirdi to know and trust that you are selecting products that are safe for you and the planet.
