What You Can Do

If you are on a municipal water system, check your utility’s annual water quality report see whether your levels of certain PFAS chemicals exceeded the EPA’s advisory level. Consumers who learn that their water has high levels of PFAS chemicals in it should consider installing reverse-osmosis filters; these are the most effective at filtering them out. Carbon filters that can be connected to faucets or installed where water enters your home are also effective, especially for PFOA and PFOS, though they may not work as well for some of the newer alternative chemicals. If you are a customer of the Madison Water Utility, their 2020 PFAS testing report is available online.

Fast-food packaging and microwave popcorn bags often contain PFAS chemicals. Avoid ordering or heating up food that is wrapped in grease-resistant packaging. However, starting in 2020, compostable packaging that is BPI certified no longer contains PFAS.

Avoid or  minimize buying items that are “waterproof,” “water-resistant,” or “stain-resistant” unless absolutely necessary, including Gore-Tex clothing, personal care products with “PTFE” or “fluoro” ingredients, or textiles with stain-resistant treatments. PFAS Central, a project of the Green Science Policy Institute, offers a helpful list of PFAS-free outdoor gear, apparel, and other products. Minimize PFAS exposure among children by avoiding carpets and upholstery that were treated to be stain- or water-resistant. Replace nonstick cookware with stainless steel, cast-iron, glass, or ceramic alternatives.

Ask manufacturers whether their products contain PFAS, this information will likely not be on the label. Note, however, that many products that say “PFOA Free” aren’t free of other types of PFAS. Products that claim to be “PFAS-free” or free of fluorocarbons or fluorinated chemicals are safer choices.