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How to Reduce PFAS and Forever Chemicals: 5 Practical Tips.

von Terri Lowe In Nachricht

Recently, the BBC aired a Panorama episode titled ‘The Truth About Forever Chemicals’, where reporter Catrin Nye revealed how PFAS can affect your health and contaminate our environment. This in-depth look into the world of ‘Forever Chemicals’ and PFAS was not only eye-opening, but deeply concerning for many.

It covered how, over time, PFAS has quietly made its way into our everyday household products, food and even our water. From non-stick cookware to waterproof fabrics and even the drinking water coming out of our taps, the investigation revealed just how widespread PFAS exposure has become. Experts highlighted in the programme that these chemicals can linger in the environment, build up in our bodies, and may pose long-term health risks.

This isn't the first we're hearing about PFAS being a concern. The Guardian revealed the scale of ‘forever chemical’ pollution across UK and Europe in this article from 2023 and in 2024, researchers from the University of Birmingham, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, and Hainan University, Haikou, found 10 ‘target’ PFAS chemicals in tap and bottled water available for consumption in major cities. 

What are PFAS?

As a reminder from our previous blog post on PFAS (also known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), they are present within your home and life in many ways. They are also produced as a result of industrial processes.

The title PFAS covers a range of variants that can be present across common household items.

Common examples of PFAS and what products contain PFAS:

  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Found in some non-stick cookware (like Teflon) and food packaging.
  • Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS): Used in firefighting foam and found in some textiles, carpets, and leather products.
  • Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS): A compound found in various products, including some cosmetics and food packaging.
  • Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA): Another substance linked to adverse health effects, found in some food packaging and textiles.
  • Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA): A chemical used in a variety of industrial applications and found in some consumer goods.

…And it’s no surprise that many families are now wondering what practical steps they can take to reduce their exposure.

The good news is that there are simple, effective actions you can start taking today. That’s why we’re sharing five of the impactful ways to reduce your PFAS consumption, now.

How to avoid PFAS chemicals: 5 tips.

1.      Choose PFAS-free cookware.

PFAS are extremely common in non-stick cooking items. Teflon pans, non-stick baking trays and cake tins that offer a non-stick coating are all culprits. Instead of using these kitchen items, you could swap these out for stainless steel, cast iron, enamelled cast iron or ceramic coating options. However, when using ceramic coated option always look for PFAS-free certified products.

2.      Avoid water or stain resistant labelling.

Whilst it can feel like a sensible option to opt for water and stain resistant textiles in your home, especially with young children around(!), these products are often coated with chemicals. This can include ‘stain-proof’ carpet, sofas and water-repellent items like cushions or rugs. Look for labels that state PFAS-free, PFC-free, fluoro-free.

3.    Be cautious of food packaging, especially those that need heating.

A lot of food that is designed for convenience can be wrapped in packaging that is packed full of PFAS. One of the most common household food items is microwaveable rice or popcorn. The inside of this packaging is often designed to be resistant to grease – meaning that when you heat it up it can actively leach PFAS into your food. Cook from scratch where you can and if microwaving food, empty it into a glass or ceramic container to heat.

4.   Check your cosmetics and personal grooming products.

With so many cosmetics and personal grooming items available, it can be a minefield to know what does and doesn’t contain PFAS. Long-wear and waterproof make up can actually contain ingredients akin to Teflon called PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Check the ingredients of your products and try to avoid the following:

•    perfluoro (e.g. perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane)
•    polyfluoro
•    fluorinated
•    fluoroalkyl

5.      Use a water filter at home to reduce PFAS.

Our personal favourite, and most effective solution for reducing PFAS in your home is by using a water filter system designed to reduce PFAS. To choose the right one, you need something that is tested and certified to prove that it reduces forever chemicals from your water. Whilst some brands may claim to reduce PFAS, you should always verify their data and ensure that the tests have been performed by independent, credible sources such as NSF. You can also verify the test have been performed via the NFS website directly.

What are the best household water filters for reducing PFAS? 

When it comes to choosing a household water filter to reduce PFAS in your water, Doulton Water Filters does have a range a options. The most popular solution being the British Berkefeld Gravity System with Ultra Sterasyl filters. Tested and Certified by NSF to NSF/ANSI Std 401, this premium gravity-fed system is effective at reducing up to 99.99% of common contaminants, including PFAS. You can see the test data here.

Other options from the Doulton range are the DUO and TRIO under sink water filter systems. Both of these practical ways to filter your water allow for a dedicated PFAS Chlorine reduction cartridge to be added – providing peace of mind for your entire family on demand, every day.

More guidance on PFAS and contaminants in your water.

If you’re seeking more information and guidance to reduce contaminants such as PFAS from your water, there are several ways that we can assist!

Head to our contaminants page for a practical overview of common contaminants in your water here: https://doulton.com/pages/contaminants

Take our water quiz to find a solution based on a series of questions here: https://doulton.com/pages/quiz

Or contact customer services directly on filtersales@doulton.com or calling 0333 340 3600 – they would be delighted to help.

Stichworte: Advice contaminants PFAS solutions tips

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