‘Forever chemicals’ are everywhere. 5 ways to reduce your exposure  : NPR

The reporting for this piece is part of the series Safe to Drink, a podcast by Mara Hoplamazian from New Hampshire Public Radio, focusing on water contamination stories in New England.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are found in our drinking water, food, and everyday products such as nonstick cookware, rain gear, and certain floss types.

These chemicals, known scientifically as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are linked to negative health effects, including specific cancers. They are incredibly resilient, repelling water and oil, making them popular in manufacturing. However, their durability means they persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, almost everyone in the U.S. has PFAS in their bloodstream.

“Their unique properties have made them highly desirable for industry, but they also contribute to their toxicity and health issues,” says Megan Romano, an epidemiologist at Dartmouth specializing in PFAS research.

Completely eliminating PFAS from your life is deemed impossible, as noted by a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Researchers are still working to identify which measures are effective in reducing exposure.

Nonetheless, efforts to reduce exposure are worthwhile. Studies show that when individuals cut down on exposure, the levels of these chemicals in their bodies decline over several years.

To minimize PFAS exposure, consider actions like choosing third-party-tested PFAS-free products. However, identifying all sources of these chemicals, especially in food and water, remains a challenge in the U.S.

Check if your water has been tested

Contaminated drinking water could be a primary source of PFAS exposure if your community’s water supply is affected. The U.S. Geological Survey indicates that nearly half of the country’s tap water contains these chemicals. Many areas have already conducted tests on public water supplies, so contacting your local water utility for published results is a good start. This can be done via their customer service line or by checking online for water quality reports.

Environmental regulators in several states might also provide data on PFAS levels in public water. By 2027, water utilities are required to test for PFAS under current Environmental Protection Agency regulations, so results should be available by then. If you use a private well, you may need to test the water yourself, though some state programs offer assistance with costs and logistics.

The U.S. Geological Survey provides a map of testing results nationwide, and an interactive EPA map displays public water system results, highlighting those above national limits. Another map from the Environmental Working Group shows results from various national testing efforts.

Once you determine the PFAS levels in your water, compare them to EPA’s regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s blood level estimation tool can help estimate potential chemical levels in your blood.

See if your community is installing filters, or consider getting your own

If your water’s PFAS levels exceed EPA limits, check if your community plans to install a filtration system to address it. Public water systems must reduce PFAS levels by 2029, or by 2031 with an extension proposed by the Trump administration.

Effective treatment systems for PFAS include activated carbon filters, ion exchange treatment, and reverse osmosis. If you choose to install your own filter, ensure it is certified to treat PFAS contamination, looking for certifications from NSF International and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Specifically, filters certified as “NSF/ANSI 53” or “NSF/ANSI 58” should help reduce PFAS, though they may not meet the latest EPA limits.

The initial cost of home water treatment systems can vary from about $20 for pitcher-style filters to several hundred or even thousands for whole-home systems. It’s crucial to consider maintenance costs as well since regular part replacements are necessary for effective operation.

Consider your food

PFAS can enter the environment and subsequently contaminate food. The National Academies report suggests that diet is probably the primary exposure route for people without contaminated drinking water. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions in reducing food-related exposure.

PFAS have been detected in some meat, dairy products, and chicken eggs, but initial Food and Drug Administration research indicates seafood contains the most detectable levels. Federal guidelines advise against consuming fish from PFAS-affected waterways. Produce grown with contaminated water can also be a source of exposure.

Take an inventory of products in your life that may contain PFAS

Researchers are still assessing the extent to which consumer products contribute to PFAS levels in our bodies. The National Academies report suggests there is insufficient evidence to show that altering product use would reduce exposure.

However, identifying which products contain PFAS can be beneficial for those looking to minimize exposure. These chemicals are prevalent in consumer products due to their ability to make items waterproof, slippery, or resistant to wear. Items with these characteristics are likely to contain PFAS.

In the kitchen, PFAS might be present in nonstick frying pans, waffle irons, rice cookers, or muffin tins. In clothing, waterproof coats or hiking pants may contain them. Household items like carpets, upholstery, and tablecloths treated for durability, water resistance, or stain resistance could also have PFAS.

Personal care products such as dental floss, diapers, menstrual products, moisturizers, and makeup are possible PFAS sources, although some companies are phasing out these chemicals from their products.

Consider replacing items you use most

Megan Romano from Dartmouth advises focusing on products that come into direct contact with your skin. “Look for moisturizers, foundations, or bronzers—items that you apply to your face or body and wear all day,” she suggests.

The use of PFAS in cosmetics might be declining. A FDA report from 2025 indicates that the safety of most top PFAS chemicals used in cosmetics cannot be assessed due to inadequate toxicity data from the federal government.

If seeking PFAS-free products, check if a company has conducted third-party testing through independent labs. When purchasing new items, look for the ingredient “PTFE” or components with “fluoro” in their names to determine if PFAS were added intentionally. The Consumer Product Safety Commission might provide information about PFAS in household goods.

Many manufacturers are currently phasing out PFAS. Chemical companies like 3M and BASF are ceasing production and use of these chemicals, and major retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sephora are working to eliminate or reduce PFAS in their merchandise.

The website PFAS Central offers a directory of PFAS-free products, listing over 150 brands claiming their products are free from these chemicals.

When prominent manufacturers reduce PFAS use, it positively impacts public health. Research indicates that as the production and usage of certain PFAS chemicals decreased, the corresponding levels in Americans’ blood also dropped over time.

This piece was edited by Malaka Gharib, with visual editing by CJ Riculan. We welcome your feedback. Contact us at LifeKit@npr.org. Tune into Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or subscribe to our newsletter.