What Are PFAS? Forever Chemicals Explained (Simple Health Guide)

You have probably seen the term PFAS in the news or on cookware labels. But what are PFAS, exactly? And why should you care about them if your focus is on living a healthier life?

This guide breaks it down in plain language. No chemistry degree required.

About the author: I'm Cheryl McColgan, founder of Heal Nourish Grow. I've been studying and practicing health and wellness for over 25 years, with a background in psychology and a focus on how everyday choices affect long-term health. I started researching PFAS because of my interest in reducing my toxic load and my work testing PFAS free cookware. The more I learned, the more I realized this is a topic everyone should understand.

For more on reducing your toxic load, see my PFAS free cookware guide, clean beauty review, and indoor air quality episode.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are a large family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1950s. PFAS are used to make surfaces nonstick, waterproof, or stain resistant. You will find them in cookware coatings, food packaging, clothing, cosmetics, and many other everyday products.

The reason PFAS get so much attention is their chemical structure. The carbon-fluorine bond in PFAS is one of the strongest in chemistry. That means these chemicals do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body. Once PFAS enter a water supply, a landfill, or your bloodstream, they can persist for years or even decades.

This is why they are called forever chemicals.

Why Are PFAS Called Forever Chemicals?

The nickname “forever chemicals” comes from the fact that PFAS resist natural breakdown. Most chemicals eventually degrade through sunlight, water, or biological processes. PFAS do not. They accumulate in soil, groundwater, and living organisms, including humans.

According to the EPA, PFAS have been detected in the blood of nearly all Americans. That does not mean everyone is at immediate risk, but it does mean that exposure is widespread and cumulative. The chemicals build up over time with repeated exposure from multiple sources.

PFAS Health Risks: What Does the Research Say?

Research into PFAS health effects is ongoing, but current peer-reviewed studies have identified several areas of concern. According to the EPA, exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:

• Reproductive effects, including decreased fertility and increased high blood pressure in pregnant women
• Developmental effects or delays in children
• Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancers
• Reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response
• Thyroid disruption
• Liver damage and changes in cholesterol levels

It is important to note that there are thousands of PFAS compounds and research has focused mainly on a handful of the most common ones, including PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. The health effects of many newer PFAS replacements are still being studied.

For people who are already focused on eating whole foods, managing inflammation, and taking care of their overall wellness, PFAS exposure is one more variable worth paying attention to. You cannot control everything, but understanding where PFAS come from helps you make informed choices about the products you bring into your home.

Common Terms You Will See: PFAS vs PFOA vs PTFE

One of the most confusing parts of the PFAS conversation is the alphabet soup of acronyms. Here is a simple breakdown:

• PFAS is the umbrella term for the entire family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. There are over 12,000 known PFAS compounds.
• PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is one specific PFAS chemical that was widely used in manufacturing nonstick cookware coatings. It has been phased out by most manufacturers but still exists in the environment.
• PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) is another specific PFAS compound, historically used in stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foams.
• PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is the plastic used in traditional Teflon nonstick coatings. PTFE itself is a type of PFAS.
• GenX is a newer PFAS chemical introduced as a replacement for PFOA. Early research suggests it may carry similar health concerns.

This is why seeing “PFOA free” on a cookware label does not necessarily mean the product is free from all PFAS. The pan could still contain PTFE or other PFAS compounds. If your goal is to avoid PFAS entirely, look for cookware that states it is PFAS free (not just PFOA free), or choose materials that never use chemical coatings at all, like stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel. For specific brand recommendations, see my PFAS free cookware guide.

Where Are PFAS Found?

PFAS show up in more places than most people realize. The most common sources of everyday exposure include:

Cookware: Traditional nonstick pans made with PTFE (Teflon) are one of the most well-known sources of PFAS in the home. When these coatings are scratched, worn, or overheated, they can release PFAS compounds into food and air. This is why many people are switching to PFAS free cookware made from ceramic, stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, or titanium.

Drinking water: PFAS from manufacturing and firefighting foam have contaminated groundwater in communities across the country. The EPA finalized national drinking water standards for several PFAS compounds in 2024. If you are concerned about your water, a high quality water filter certified for PFAS removal is a practical step. This is why I installed a whole house filtration system as well as a reverse osmosis under counter system.

Food packaging: PFAS have been used in grease-resistant food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and fast food containers. While some companies are phasing these out, it remains a common exposure source. As an example, Kerrygold butter, which many people choose for its grass fed health benefits, was recently discovered to have PFAS in their packaging.

Personal care products and cosmetics: Some makeup, lotions, and personal care products contain PFAS, often listed under unfamiliar chemical names. Switching to clean beauty products is one way to reduce this source of exposure.

Indoor environments: PFAS can be found in stain-resistant carpets, upholstered furniture, and even dust. Improving your indoor air quality and choosing products made without PFAS treatments can help reduce exposure over time.

I plan to cover each of these exposure sources in more detail in a future article. For now, the takeaway is that PFAS exposure is not limited to one product or one category. Reducing your overall load means making gradual improvements across multiple areas of your daily life.

What Is Being Done About PFAS?

Awareness of PFAS health risks has grown significantly over the past several years, and both government and industry are starting to respond.

In January 2025, Minnesota became the first state to ban the sale of cookware containing intentionally added PFAS under a law known as Amara's Law. Colorado and Maine followed with similar bans starting January 2026, and Connecticut and Vermont have legislation taking effect in 2028. California has a proposed ban targeting 2030.

Major retailers are also moving. REI completed its transition to PFAS free cookware in fall 2024. Target has set a goal to remove intentionally added PFAS from its own brand products. Walmart has begun restricting PFAS-containing products in states with active bans.

On the federal level, the EPA finalized the first national drinking water limits for six PFAS compounds in 2024, though enforcement and implementation timelines are still developing.

The bottom line: the regulatory trend is moving toward less PFAS in consumer products. But regulations take time, and there is nothing stopping you from making changes now.

How to Reduce Your PFAS Exposure

You cannot eliminate PFAS exposure entirely, but you can take practical steps to reduce it. Here is where I would start:

• Switch your cookware. Replace worn or scratched nonstick pans with PFAS free alternatives. This is one of the highest impact swaps because you use cookware every day and heat can accelerate chemical release. See my full PFAS free cookware guide for tested recommendations.
• Filter your drinking water. Look for a filter that is NSF-certified for PFAS reduction. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon systems are the most effective options currently available.
• Reduce fast food packaging contact. When possible, transfer food out of grease-resistant wrappers and containers before eating. Avoid microwaving food in its original packaging.
• Choose cleaner personal care products. Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and avoid PFAS. Clean beauty brands are a good starting point.
• Improve your indoor environment. Dust regularly, ventilate your home, and consider upgrading to better air filtration. Avoid stain-resistant treatments on carpets and furniture when you have the choice.

The goal is not perfection. It is progress. Each swap reduces your cumulative exposure a little more over time.

The Bottom Line on PFAS

PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals found in everyday products from cookware to food packaging to cosmetics. They are called forever chemicals because they do not break down easily and they accumulate in the body over time. Research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health concerns including cancer, thyroid disruption, immune suppression, and reproductive effects.

The good news is that awareness is growing, regulations are tightening, and there are practical steps you can take right now to reduce your exposure. Start with the products you use most often, like your cookware and your water, and work outward from there.

For my tested recommendations on the best PFAS free cookware brands, read the full guide: PFAS Free Cookware: Best Non-Toxic Pans I Tested (2026).