Small Steps You Can Take Right Now to Reduce Your Exposure to Forever Chemicals

Small Steps You Can Take Right Now to Reduce Your Exposure to Forever Chemicals

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, collectively known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” are a class of over 12,000 man-made chemical compounds used in a wide range of everyday products like take-out containers, drinking straws, outdoor clothing, medical devices, food packaging, cosmetics, dental floss, and most products advertised as being greaseproof, waterproof, flame retardant, or nonstick. The concern here is that exposure to high levels of PFAS are known to be toxic to humans, and the everlasting nature of these chemicals means they can and do build up in our systems over time, leading to potentially bad outcomes like cancer, liver, kidney, or thyroid problems, high cholesterol, and pregnancy and developmental complications.

When it comes to PFAS, the lower the exposure, the better. Avoiding exposure to PFAS is not easy since they are present in many everyday products we use and interact with and are often found in our food and water sources as well. While the U.S. is finally starting to make some real headway to address and reduce human PFAS exposure, this is a slow and combative process. There are, however, steps that you can take today to help reduce your exposure.

At the top of the list would be the use of a water purification system that can filter toxic chemicals. Also on the list would be avoiding beauty or cooking products that advertise as being waterproof, greaseproof, or non-stick unless they are specifically labeled as PFAS-free. To that end, eating and drinking out of glass or metal containers, as opposed to plastic, helps reduce exposure to forever chemicals as well. This would include eliminating plastic straws. Avoiding waterproof or fire-retardant clothing, furniture, and carpet can also lessen one’s exposure. Even dental floss has a PFAS-free option. So, while we await robust regulation or scientific breakthroughs that drastically reduce, or ideally eliminate, human PFA exposure, it may be worthwhile to consider taking some of these small steps now to keep your exposure as low as possible.