It’s impossible to completely avoid PFAS. There are thousands of types of PFAS, and many are not well studied. Yet, they’re in everything from stain-resistant rugs to dental floss, outdoor gear, food packaging and soil. Furthermore, it’s often difficult or impossible to tell if PFAS is in a product. Some key words will help you determine whether you should avoid a product or not. Look for stain resistant, grease resistant, heat resistant, water resistant, non-stick (kitchenware), and long-lasting (often seen in makeup foundation, lipstick, and mascara).

In your personal life:

• Check your drinking water for PFAS. If you live in a city, check with your water district to find out about PFAS in your water. If you have a well, you should get your water tested for PFAS. Consider filtering your drinking water with an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filtration system. There are even special water pitchers that will filter for PFAS.

• Reduce PFAS around the house and in shoes and clothing. Avoid stain-resistant carpets and upholstery, as well as stain-resistant treatments and waterproofing sprays. Limit PFAS in air and dust; experts recommend wiping surfaces with a damp cloth instead of dry dusting, using a HEPA air filter and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Lots of water-proof and stain-resistant clothing, especially outdoor gear, contains PFAS. Check your cleaning supplies for PFAS. Don’t use pesticides as many contain PFAS.

• Avoid PFAS in kitchen supplies. Discard your old and scratched nonstick pans. Choose cookware made of cast iron, stainless steel, glass, or enamel instead of Teflon. Don’t purchase grease-resistant food containers.

• Eat more fresh foods. Avoid take-out containers and other food packaging. Buy organic products, as well as fruits and vegetables. Avoid microwave popcorn, fast food, and greasy foods wrapped in paper. Don’t purchase grease-resistant food containers. Check for fish advisories for water bodies where you fish.  See if PFAS is in the stream, river, or lake. Wash your fruits and vegetables well before consuming or cooking with them.

• Avoid PFAS in personal hygiene products, cosmetics, lotions, and dental floss. Look for nylon or silk dental floss that is uncoated or coated in natural wax.

• Consume fewer products by purchasing ones made to last. Replace disposable objects (plastic razors) with a more permanent object (metal razor with replaceable blades). Look for products that will last you a long time. Keep objects for as long as possible, especially technological items.

• Read labels. Avoid products with the ingredient PTFE or other “fluoro” ingredients listed on the label.

• Shop for PFAS free products at one or more of the websites below.

In your community:

• Ask retailers if the product you want contains PFAS. If they don’t know, educate them about PFAS and ask them to find out for you. Tell retailers and manufacturers you want products made without PFAS.

• Ask your city and city offices, school district, hospital, college/university, etc., to issue an executive order to no longer use tax dollars to purchase products with PFAS added to them.

• Urge your local water utility to test for PFAS on a regular basis.

• Ask your state legislators to set up a statewide water and blood testing program.

• Encourage your state to follow the lead of other states in creating more health protective drinking water limits.

• Ask your elected officials to support restrictions on PFAS in consumer products and remediation of contaminated sites.

• Find out about local groups working to protect water quality.