A friend told me something recently that I can’t stop thinking about.
Her 3-year-old son had been struggling with chronic skin rashes, constant colds, and trouble sleeping. They assumed it was allergies—until a doctor ran deeper tests. The results were shocking: PFAS chemicals were found in his blood.
Let that sink in. A toddler. Never lived near a factory. Never even left their quiet suburb. Yet his tiny body was already carrying forever chemicals—toxins that don’t break down and can stay in the body for decades.
This isn’t rare. According to the CDC, nearly 97% of Americans now have PFAS in their blood.
What Are PFAS (Forever Chemicals)?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are man-made chemicals—over 12,000 of them—designed to resist heat, grease, water, and stains. They’ve been used since the 1940s in products like:
- Nonstick cookware (like Teflon)
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Fast food wrappers and pizza boxes
- Rain jackets and yoga pants
- Carpets, rugs, and stain-resistant furniture
- Makeup, mascara, nail polish
- Cleaning products
- Dental floss and even contact lenses
- Tap water—especially near airports, factories, or military bases
They’re called forever chemicals because they never fully break down. Not in water. Not in soil. And not in our bodies.
Where PFAS Are Hiding in Your Home
These chemicals show up in more places than you’d expect:
- Your nonstick frying pan
- Your kid’s waterproof backpack
- Your favorite long-wear mascara
- The takeout box from last night’s dinner
- The pet bed that says “odor resistant”
- The water coming from your tap
Want to know what’s in your water? Use the EWG Tap Water Database to check your zip code.
What PFAS Are Doing to Our Bodies
Long-term PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health issues:
- Hormonal disruption (puberty, fertility, thyroid)
- Reproductive issues (low sperm count, miscarriage risk)
- Cancer (kidney, thyroid, pancreatic, testicular)
- Immune suppression (more illness, lower vaccine effectiveness)
- Autoimmune disorders (like lupus and chronic inflammation)
- Liver damage (high cholesterol, fatty liver)
- Weight gain and metabolic issues (insulin resistance)
- Developmental delays in kids (lower IQ, ADHD)
- Digestive and skin issues (eczema, chronic rashes)
And yes—our pets are at risk too. Dogs and cats exposed through water, bowls, beds, or chew toys may face tumors, hormone issues, seizures, and organ damage.
These chemicals don’t just cause one-time reactions—they accumulate. Once they’re in the body, they can stay for years or even decades.
How to Reduce PFAS Exposure in Everyday Life
The good news? You’re not powerless. While we can’t eliminate PFAS completely, we can reduce our exposure and protect our families.
Here are simple, effective steps:
- Filter your water
Use a reverse osmosis system or activated carbon filter that’s certified to remove PFAS (look for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification). Even under-sink systems can make a big difference. - Replace nonstick cookware
Ditch Teflon and switch to stainless steel, cast iron, or 100% ceramic pans. - Avoid stain-resistant and waterproof products
Skip these in sofas, carpets, jackets, kids’ clothes, and pet beds unless they’re clearly labeled PFAS-free. - Don’t microwave food in plastic
Use glass or ceramic containers instead. Heat makes plastic leach toxins into your food. - Choose clean personal care products
Avoid ingredients with “PTFE,” “perfluoro,” or “fluoro.” Stick with EWG-verified or simple ingredient products. - Eat fewer processed and packaged foods
Especially fast food or anything in grease-resistant packaging. Cooking fresh at home reduces exposure. - Vacuum and dust regularly
PFAS can settle in household dust. Use a HEPA vacuum and wipe surfaces with microfiber cloths. - Rethink pet products
Choose stainless steel bowls and avoid “odor-proof” or “stain-resistant” pet gear unless it’s clearly non-toxic. - Switch to natural cleaners
Replace harsh chemical sprays with homemade options like vinegar, baking soda, or castile soap.
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—Just Aware
No one told us about this before. But now that we know, we can take action. Each small change lightens the toxic load on your body, your family, and your pets.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire home overnight. Start with the water you drink, the pans you use, and the products you put on your skin.
You deserve better. Your kids deserve better.
And now—you know better.
Want to take your healing further? Explore these must-read articles:
When Scents Make You Sick: Living with MCS in a Scent-Soaked World
A raw, real look at life with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity—and how to live in a world obsessed with fragrance.
Can Clothes Make You Sick? The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Fabrics
Your skin is your largest organ—what you wear matters. Learn how synthetic fabrics and chemical finishes may be quietly harming your health.
Toxic Ice Cream Ingredients to Avoid (MCS, Migraines, Inflammation)
That innocent scoop might not be so sweet. Uncover the hidden ingredients that can trigger migraines, inflammation, and gut issues.
Ready to take your healing further? Explore these must-read articles next:
- Can Clothes Make You Sick? The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Fabrics
Your skin is your largest organ—what you wear matters. Learn how everyday fabrics could be quietly harming your health. - Toxic Ice Cream Ingredients to Avoid (MCS, Migraines, Inflammation)
That innocent scoop might not be so sweet. Find out which ingredients can trigger inflammation, gut issues, and more. - When Scents Make You Sick: Living with MCS in a Scent-Soaked World
If fragrance gives you headaches, nausea, or fatigue—you’re not alone. Discover how to survive (and thrive) with scent sensitivity.
