Forever Chemicals: PFAS & PFOS The Toxins that never leave

Yes, its as scary as it sounds. A real life scary movie..

If you thought BPA and phthalates were bad, buckle up—because PFAS (per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances) are on a whole different level of toxic. Nicknamed “Forever chemicals”, these bad boys don’t break down in the environment OR your body. Once they’re in, they’re basically squatters in your bloodstream, chilling there for years, messing with your hormones, immune system, and even increasing cancer risks. And guess what? These chemicals are everywhere.

If you’ve ever used a nonstick pan, worn waterproof mascara, or sipped from a to-go cup...hello EVERY coffee from a stand, chances are you’ve encountered PFAS. Maybe even without knowing it. These chemicals are slick, sneaky, and disturbingly persistent—and today, we’re diving into what they are, why they matter, and how to kick them out of your life (or at least minimize the damage).

What Are PFAS and PFOS?

These substances were created in the 1940s for their incredible resistance to water, oil, heat, and stains. Sounds great, right? That’s why they’ve been used in everything from:

• Nonstick cookware (Teflon)

• Water-repellent clothing

• Fast food wrappers

• Firefighting foams

• Makeup and dental floss (yep…)

But here’s the problem: they don’t break down. Like, ever. That is why scientists literally call them “forever chemicals.”

PFAS are a group of over 12,000 chemicals designed to repel water, grease, and stains. That might sound useful, but the problem is they don’t just stay in your nonstick pan or rain jacket—they leach into your food, water, and bloodstream, and again stay there FOREVER.

Have you seen "Dark Waters"??? "Erin Brockovich" "Burned: Protecting the protectors" "A Civil Action"?? The list can go on, I will write a blog about it HA.

PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) are the two most infamous PFAS chemicals, and no I cannot pronounce them. They were technically phased out in the U.S., but don’t celebrate just yet—companies replaced them with newer PFAS chemicals that are just as bad (if not worse).

FUNFACT (not really)- According to the CDC, PFAS have been detected in the blood of nearly every American...fucking dope right.

Why Should You Care?

PFAS exposure has been linked to:

• Hormone Disruption – Just like BPA and phthalates, PFAS mess with your endocrine system, leading to fertility issues, thyroid disease, and irregular hormones.

• Immune System Suppression – Studies show PFAS can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and even reducing vaccine effectiveness.

• Cancer Risks – Long-term exposure is associated with kidney and testicular cancer.

• Metabolic & Liver Issues – PFAS have been linked to liver damage, high cholesterol, and weight gain.

• Developmental Problems in Kids – Exposure during pregnancy has been tied to low birth weight, learning delays, and behavioral issues in children.

Where Are PFAS Hiding? (Spoiler: Basically Everywhere)

These chemicals are lurking in things you probably use daily:

• Waterproof baby gear- Diaper mats, stroller liners, mattress protectors

• Nonstick cookware – Teflon (and most “nonstick” coatings) are loaded with PFAS.

• Waterproof clothing & gear – Rain jackets, hiking boots, and even yoga pants from big brands often use PFAS-based coatings...I still have not thrown out my Lulu Lemons leggings..but i plan to switch to the brand PACT.

• Food packaging – Fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and takeout containers are coated in PFAS to prevent grease from soaking through.

• Stain-resistant furniture & carpets – If your couch or rug repels stains, it probably contains PFAS.

• Drinking water – Many municipal water supplies are contaminated with PFAS, thanks to industrial waste and firefighting foams.

• Cosmetics & skincare – Many waterproof mascaras, long-wear lipsticks, and foundations contain PFAS to improve durability.

• Firefighting foam – If you live near a military base or airport, your water supply is likely contaminated from years of firefighting foam use.

How to Kick PFAS to the Curb (Without Losing Your Mind)

The bad news? PFAS are everywhere. The good news? You can reduce your exposure with a few smart swaps:

✅ Ditch nonstick cookware → Switch to stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated pans. (Lodge, GreenPan, and Made In are solid brands.)

✅ Choose PFAS-free clothing & gear → Look for brands like Patagonia, Fjällräven, and Cotopaxi that are moving away from PFAS coatings....THIS IS A TOUGH ONE!

✅ Filter your water → Use a high-quality water filter like a reverse osmosis system or one certified to remove PFAS (Berkey & Clearly Filtered are great options).

✅ Avoid grease-resistant food packaging → Say no to microwave popcorn, fast food wrappers, and takeout containers—better yet, bring your own reusable options. If you get take-out just immediately put it in your own containers

✅ Check beauty product labels → Avoid products with ingredients like PTFE, perfluoro-, or polyfluoro- (brands like Ilia, Well People, RMS Beauty, and Typology offer safer options).

✅ Skip stain-resistant treatments → If a couch, carpet, or clothing item boasts stain resistance, assume it’s coated in PFAS unless stated otherwise.

Final Thoughts!

PFAS are the ultimate unwanted guests—once they’re in, they stay. But by making a few easy swaps, you can drastically reduce your exposure and protect your health. Small changes add up, and the more we demand PFAS-free products, the faster companies will be forced to change.