Protect Yourself from PFAS Exposure – EWG Guide

With the Environmental Protection Agency aiming to weaken national limits on the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in drinking water, Americans are asking: How can I protect myself from these toxic substances?

PFAS, a class of chemicals, have been found in about half of the drinking water in the U.S. According to results from the EPA’s UCMR 5 and state tests, PFAS are detected in the tap water of 172 million people.

PFAS have been found in 98% of the American population. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies back this finding. 

PFAS are known as forever chemicals because they almost never break down in the environment. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancer, reproductive harm, immune system damage and other serious health problems, even at low levels. 

Sources of exposure 

Lowering our exposure to PFAS isn’t straightforward because the chemicals are ubiquitous. They’re so widespread because of their waterproof and nonstick qualities. 

In addition to drinking water, PFAS can be found in certain foods and contaminated soil, as well as nonstick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam and certain consumer products. As research in the field progresses, scientists continue to detect PFAS contamination from many sources. 

Industrial sites are responsible for a significant portion of PFAS pollution in the U.S. There are nearly 42,000 sites that are potential sources of PFAS surface and groundwater discharges across the country.

How to lower personal exposure

Reducing exposure to PFAS is about balancing potential risk with other important factors, like affordability and practicality. Outright avoidance of certain foods, clothing items and tap water for fear of PFAS contamination is not realistic.

The best approach is to stay informed and make thoughtful choices to reduce exposure to PFAS when possible. Here are some recommendations: 

Drinking water

The most effective way to protect yourself from PFAS in tap water is installing a certified filtration system.

Food

Some types of food can be contaminated with high levels of PFAS. Knowing what foods to avoid can help lower your PFAS exposure.

Food packaging and cookware

Refrain from using nonstick cookware and avoid greasy food packaging, since both often contain harmful PFAS.

• Replace nonstick pans with stainless steel, cast iron or glass alternatives.
• Reduce use of microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and fast-food wrappers when possible.
• Store food in glass containers instead of plastic-coated packaging.

Garden fertilizer

There is evidence that PFAS contaminates our soil because of pesticides and sludge used as fertilizer. This raises the risk that even home-grown foods may contain PFAS. 

• Check to see if the bagged compost purchased for your home garden is sourced from a wastewater treatment plant. This type of compost regularly tests positive for PFAS.
• Avoid the use of pesticides made with PFAS.
• Stay informed about the latest PFAS news, so you can better navigate this threat.

Clothing, cosmetics and other products
Many consumer products, including clothing and cosmetics, contain PFAS, so read labels and choose natural alternatives when possible.

Reducing PFAS pollution

Being an informed consumer is important for lower individual exposure but won’t fix the problem of ongoing PFAS pollution from industrial sources. State and federal action is needed to hold polluters accountable for contaminating air, water and soil with PFAS.

Federal action

In 2024, the EPA finally began cracking down on PFAS by setting new drinking water limits for six forever chemicals and providing billions in funding for cleanup of PFAS contamination. Similarly, the EPA began the process of setting PFAS discharge limits for major industries in 2023. 

But these health-protective regulations are now under review and the future of PFAS action at the federal level remains unclear. 

State action

States and cities are moving faster than federal regulators to ban PFAS and clean up contamination. This map shows which states have introduced or passed legislation addressing PFAS pollution. Some notable action includes:

You can contact your representative now to show your support for PFAS action.

Corporate action

Consumers are demanding safer products. Under market pressure, brands and retailers are responding by reformulating products without PFAS.  

Until 2024, companies were also increasingly held accountable for decades of PFAS pollution through lawsuits and cleanup costs.