Origins of PFAS in Cookware

In 1946, DuPont introduced non-stick cookware featuring a chemical coating under the brand name of Teflon. This marked the beginning of a widespread incorporation of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in various consumer and commercial products. These chemicals have now permeated not only our cookware but also our bodies and the environment on a global scale.

The family of fluorinated compounds, commonly known as PFAS, can be found in the blood of nearly all people worldwide, with 98% of Americans carrying these chemicals in their bodies, including newborn babies. The question arises: how do these chemicals from cookware make their way into our bodies?

PFAS chemicals are not limited to non-stick pans; they are utilized in a wide range of products such as stain repellent carpets, waterproof clothing, fast food wrappers, firefighting foams, personal care products, and cosmetics. When these products are used and disposed of, PFAS are released into the environment, contaminating water sources and agricultural lands.

Due to their strong carbon-fluorine bond, PFAS do not easily break down, persisting in the environment and within human bodies for extended periods. This characteristic has earned them the moniker 'forever chemicals.' The PFAS family comprises thousands of synthetic compounds, and even minimal exposure to these chemicals has been linked to serious health risks.

Health risks associated with PFAS exposure include an increased risk of cancer, hormone disruption, accelerated puberty, liver damage, thyroid disease, and harm to the immune system, such as reduced vaccine effectiveness. For years, evidence of these health hazards has been concealed by chemical companies, putting millions of people at risk.

Currently, over 200 million people in the U.S. may be consuming water contaminated with PFAS. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified potentially tens of thousands of sources of PFAS across the nation, including industrial discharges, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants.

The current health guideline for PFAS is one part per trillion for the total concentration of PFAS in drinking water based on the latest scientific research on these chemicals. Stronger laws and regulations are imperative to safeguard the population from PFAS exposure, given that such exposure occurs on a daily basis.

To protect oneself and one's family from PFAS, filtering tap water is recommended as the first line of defense. Both reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are effective in reducing PFAS levels. It is crucial to acknowledge that exposure can also occur through food and food packaging.  See our full selection of water filtering and enrichment products to help fight the negative impact of pulled water your health.

Limiting the consumption of takeout or fast food, avoiding microwave popcorn, and opting to prepare it on the stovetop instead are advised. Refraining from purchasing products containing PFAS, particularly those marketed as long-lasting, waterproof, stain-resistant, or non-stick, can also help reduce exposure.  This includes makeup and hair products where PFAS are prevalent.  Visit our collection of non-tox beauty and bath to shop ultraclean and pure products with confidence.

Preventing PFAS from entering the environment in the first place is crucial. Holding polluters accountable for the contamination they have caused and implementing stricter standards for cleaning up existing pollution are essential steps in mitigating the impact of PFAS on human health and the environment.