PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’ in your life – and how to reduce your exposure

They’re in non-stick frying pans, waterproof jackets, takeaway packaging, stain-resistant carpets, cosmetics and, increasingly, the headlines. PFAS – short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are often called ‘forever chemicals’ because they break down extremely slowly in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time

That sounds alarming – and in some respects, it should be. But before you throw out every frying pan and panic over your raincoat, it’s worth understanding what PFAS actually are, where they’re found, what the science says about health risks, and – crucially – what practical steps you can take to minimise exposure without becoming obsessive

What exactly are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals developed continually since the 1940s. Their superpower is resistance: they repel water, grease, heat and stains exceptionally well. That made them highly attractive to manufacturers

They’ve been used in products such as:

Non-stick cookware (such as older Tefal pans made with PTFE coatings)
Waterproof outdoor clothing
Fast-food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags
Stain-resistant sofas and carpets
Certain cosmetics
Firefighting foams
Some dental floss products
Industrial manufacturing

The issue? PFAS don’t easily degrade in soil, water or the body. They can persist for years – hence the ‘forever’ label

Why are people worried?

Research has linked higher PFAS exposure to a range of potential health concerns, although the degree of risk often depends on exposure levels

Studies have associated certain PFAS compounds with:

Elevated cholesterol
Thyroid disruption
Reduced immune response
Hormonal changes
Liver issues
Lower fertility
Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer

One of the biggest concerns is drinking water contamination. In parts of the US and Europe, PFAS have been detected in water supplies near industrial sites, airports and military bases where firefighting foam was heavily used

In the UK, testing is increasing, and regulators such as the Environment Agency and UK Health Security Agency are paying closer attention

That said, exposure is rarely from one dramatic source. For most people, it’s a steady drip from multiple everyday products

The non-stick pan panic: should you bin yours?

This is where nuance matters.

Modern non-stick cookware made with PTFE (commonly associated with Tefal) does not automatically equal dangerous PFAS exposure when used correctly. Many manufacturers phased out PFOA – one of the most concerning PFAS chemicals – years ago

The bigger risks arise when:

Pans are scratched or damaged
They’re overheated to extreme temperatures
You continue using heavily worn cookware

If your pan is flaking, scratched, or clearly past its best, replace it. Alternatives include:

Stainless steel
Cast iron
Ceramic-coated cookware

How to reduce your PFAS exposure

You can’t eliminate PFAS entirely – they’re too widespread – but you can reduce your exposure significantly.

Be selective with cookware

Replace old, damaged non-stick pans. You don’t need to throw away newer, well-maintained pans immediately, but avoid overheating them

Filter your drinking water

Activated carbon filters can help reduce certain contaminants, but reverse osmosis systems tend to be more effective at removing PFAS

Popular UK brands include Brita and Berkey, though effectiveness varies by model

Cut back on heavily packaged fast food

Grease-resistant wrappers and takeaway containers may contain PFAS coatings. Cooking fresh food at home reduces both PFAS exposure and the use of excess ultra-processed ingredients

Rethink stain-proof and waterproof treatments

Do you really need a sofa marketed as ‘stain resistant’? Or endless waterproof sprays for trainers and jackets?

Brands such as Patagonia and Fjällräven have increasingly moved toward PFAS-free alternatives

Check cosmetics

Some long-wear foundations, mascaras and waterproof makeup products have historically contained PFAS compounds

Vacuum regularly

PFAS can accumulate in household dust. A vacuum with a HEPA filter may help reduce indoor exposure

Can you ‘detox’ PFAS from your body?

This is where wellness marketing often gets ahead of science.

There is currently no scientifically proven detox, supplement, cleanse or juice fast that removes PFAS from your body

Be sceptical of anyone selling expensive ‘detox protocols’

Your liver and kidneys already do the hard work of processing toxins. The better strategy is reducing ongoing exposure while supporting general health through:

Exercise
High-fibre diets
Good sleep
Maintaining a healthy weight
Not smoking

The bottom line

PFAS are a legitimate environmental health concern – but not a reason for panic

Think of it like microplastics or air pollution: focus on reducing the exposures you can control rather than chasing impossible purity

Replace battered non-stick pans. Filter your water if appropriate. Eat less packaged food. Be cautious with heavily treated consumer products

Small, sensible changes are far more effective than fear-driven overhauls. And as regulation catches up, many manufacturers are already being pushed toward safer alternatives