Guidance for PFAS in consumer products

When identifying PFAS in products, warning labels aren’t always clear. Look for terms like “fluoro,” “PTFE,” or “nonstick” on ingredient lists, especially in cookware or cosmetics.

Try to look for labels that explicitly state that a product is “PFAS-free” or has been certified through a third-party:

• The National Sanitation Foundation is an organization that certifies PFAS-free products.
  • Read more about NSF’s PFAS-Free Certification.
  • NSF White Book.
  • You can also find a wide range of PFAS-free products by using this list from PFAS Central.

PFAS may be used in cookware items such as nonstick pans, baking sheets, and pressure cookers. While these chemicals make cooking and cleaning easier, they can also get into your food when heated.

To reduce your exposure to PFAS when cooking:

• Be aware before using nonstick cookware. Ensure the coating is intact and discard it if it begins to chip or flake.
• Use wooden cooking utensils to prevent scratches in non-stick coatings.
• Do not put nonstick pans into the oven.
• If possible, consider replacing your nonstick cookware with stainless steel, cast iron, glass, or lead-free ceramic cookware. Use the links below to learn more:
  • Leafscore bakeware top picks.
  • Organic Authority non-stick cookware guide.
  • Are forever chemicals lurking in your cookware?

PFAS may be found in makeup and personal care products such as foundation, moisturizer, mascara, sunscreen, and lipstick. PFAS are also sometimes added to hair care products like conditioners or smoothers.

Ways to reduce your exposure to PFAS in cosmetics include:

• Be careful when using cosmetics that are labelled as “wear-resistant,” “long-lasting,” or “waterproof,” or contain the ingredient “PTFE”.
• Consider using the guides below to learn more about PFAS-free cosmetics and personal care products:
  • EWG cosmetics guide.
  • PFAS Central Guide to Personal Care Products.

Note: Cosmetics and personal care products that are rubbed into the skin (like foundation or moisturizer) are more likely to result in PFAS exposure compared to those that stay on the skin for a short time (like face wash) or those that are applied to hair.

Additional research on North American cosmetics.

Consider looking for these certifications in hand soaps

Including foam and lotion products

PFAS may be used in the manufacturing of carpets and rugs to help repel spills and dirt. However, PFAS can stay in the environment and may slowly release into your home and end up in household dust. PFAS can also be in carpet cleaners and floor waxes.

To reduce your exposure to PFAS from carpets and rugs in your home:

• Do research before buying carpets and rugs with “stain-resistant” properties, or try to purchase items from a store that has committed to stocking PFAS-free carpets.
  • A case study on PFAS in carpets.
• When you replace older carpets and rugs, consider replacing them with newer PFAS-free ones.
• If replacement isn’t an option, frequent vacuuming using a HEPA filter will reduce the amount of PFAS in household dust.
• Look for carpet cleaners and floor waxes specifically labeled as “PFAS-free” (see “understanding product labels”).

Consider looking for these certifications in carpets and rugs

Including carpet tile, broadloom carpet, and carpet padding

PFAS is sometimes used in stain-resistant sprays, waterproofing treatments, and fabric cleaners. When using a fabric treatment or cleaner at home, consider wearing a mask to reduce the risk of breathing in chemicals.

Additional things you can do to protect your health include:

• Limit or avoid the use of stain and water-resistant sprays.
• When possible, opt for PFAS-free sprays and cleaners. For example:
  • EPA’s “Safer Choice” Product search.
    • See below for the “Safer Choice” certification logo.
• Baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar are simple alternatives to use for household cleaning.

Consider looking for these certifications in fabric treatments and cleaners

Including cleaners and degreasers for appliances, carpet and floors, counters and other surfaces, glass, restrooms, toilet bowls, and vehicles, as well as furniture and metal polish

Certain ski wax products may contain PFAS to help skis glide better across the snow. However, these products increase PFAS exposure for the people who apply the wax and can contaminate the environment as wax flakes off skis.

Although ski wax containing PFAS is no longer manufactured in the United States, people may still have PFAS-containing waxes in their homes. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, think about switching to a PFAS-free wax. Consider wearing a mask or wax your skis outdoors if you are applying wax yourself.