PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of synthetic chemicals characterised by a nearly indestructible bond between carbon and fluorine atoms. This unique structure is what makes them so persistent in our environment.
They have been used since the 1950s in a wide range of everyday consumer products because of their non-stick, water-repellent, and heat-resistant properties. These uses range from non-stick coatings and textiles to high-end cosmetics.
Because of their persistence and mobility, PFAS—often referred to as "forever chemicals"—are now found in UK drinking water, as well as in soil, air, and the food chain. These chemicals break down extremely slowly, meaning they can accumulate over time and pose risks to both public health and the environment.
In this article, we share practical advice on how to reduce your everyday exposure to PFAS and reclaim the purity of your home environment.
Identifying Products That Contain PFAS
The simplest way to protect your health from the invisible threat of PFAS is to avoid products that contain them. To do so, you first need to know how to identify them on the high street.
How can you spot PFAS on product labels?
Look out for the following names on ingredient lists, as these are common indicators of PFAS presence:
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
- Perfluorodecalin
- Perfluorononyl dimethicone
- Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl ether
- Methyl perfluoroisobutyl ether
- Perfluorohexylethyl triethoxysilane
- Perfluorohexane
- Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy difluoroethyl PEG phosphate
It is important to note that manufacturers are not always legally required to state the presence of PFAS on labels. For clothing, be cautious of claims such as “waterproof,” “stain-resistant,” or “repellent finish.”
Which industrial sectors commonly use PFAS?
PFAS have become embedded in many aspects of modern life. They are commonly found in:
- Automotive & Aerospace: Used to protect fuel lines, seals, and batteries, and to ensure interference-free cockpit communications.
- Consumer Goods: Non-stick cookware, grease-resistant food packaging, cosmetics, and textiles.
- Electronics: Smartphones, fitness trackers, and semiconductors rely heavily on these chemicals.
- Medical Devices: Catheters, stents, and surgical needles often involve PFAS-based materials for low friction.
- Renewable Energy: Solar panels, wind turbines, and fuel cells frequently contain PFAS.
Choosing PFAS-Free Alternatives
Although PFAS are widespread, safer alternatives exist across many product categories for the conscious consumer.
Alternatives to Non-Stick Cookware
Teflon-coated cookware has faced increasing scrutiny due to its PFAS content. Stainless steel and cast iron pans, while requiring slightly more care, offer durable and healthier alternatives. High-quality ceramic cookware is also an option, provided the manufacturer is transparent about the coating’s composition.
Finding PFAS-Free Cosmetics and Hygiene Products
PFAS are particularly common in “long-lasting” or “waterproof” products like mascara, foundation, and lipstick. To reduce exposure, choose certified organic or eco-labelled cosmetics. Labels such as NATRUE, COSMOS, and the EU Ecolabel indicate much stricter ingredient standards.
PFAS-Free Clothing and Textiles
For outdoor wear and children's clothing, look for certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and Bluesign. These help ensure the manufacturing process limits harmful chemical use. Interestingly, buying high-quality second-hand clothing can also reduce exposure, as many residual chemicals may have been washed away over time.
Dietary Practices to Reduce PFAS Exposure
Your diet plays an important role in limiting exposure—including through the mains water you drink every day.
Food Choices That Minimise Contamination
- Packaging: Avoid grease-resistant paper packaging, such as microwave popcorn bags or pizza boxes, which are often treated with PFAS.
- Storage: Use reusable food containers made of glass or stainless steel rather than plastic.
- Preparation: Wash produce thoroughly, cook at lower temperatures, and never heat food in plastic containers.
Drinking Water and PFAS Removal
Water is essential for health, but it is also a primary route for PFAS to enter the body. In the UK, you should regularly review water quality reports from your local supplier. If you are concerned about trace levels of "forever chemicals," an at-home solution is recommended.
Activated carbon filtration is widely recognised as one of the most effective methods for reducing PFAS in drinking water. This is the core technology used in our gravity-fed filtration systems, which can reduce up to 99.9% of harmful contaminants. Using filtered water for cooking, tea, and coffee supports long-term well-being and peace of mind.
Everyday Actions for a Safer Home
While regulatory efforts in the UK and Europe are evolving to restrict PFAS use in cosmetics and packaging, many items in our homes remain unaffected by new laws. This makes personal action essential.
Filtering your tap water is one of the most effective and immediate steps you can take to protect your household. Ready to take the first step toward a PFAS-free home?
Explore the Weeplow range of gravity-fed water filters today.
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