5 Simple Ways to Avoid PFAS at Home

PFAS are called "forever chemicals" for a reason – and they’ve quietly made their way into nearly every corner of modern life.

Short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS have become a major topic of conversation in recent years. Once celebrated for their ability to repel water and resist stains, these forever chemicals are now under intense scrutiny from scientists, lawmakers and consumers alike. Reports of PFAS showing up in drinking water, household dust and even rain have sparked a growing movement toward transparency and accountability in manufacturing.

From cookware to cosmetics to clothing, awareness is rising around just how widespread PFAS really are and how difficult they are to remove once released into the environment. For families trying to create a healthier home, that can feel daunting. But the good news is that you don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle to make meaningful change. Simple swaps, along with new third-party certifications that verify when PFAS are non-detectable in products, are making it easier than ever to shop and live with confidence.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large family of more than 12,000 synthetic chemicals developed in the mid-20th century to make products resistant to water, stains, heat and grease. They’re what help a pan stay “nonstick,” a raincoat stay dry, or a carpet resist spills.

The problem is that PFAS don’t easily break down. Their chemical structure makes them highly durable, which is great for waterproof fabric, but not for the environment or our bodies. Over time, PFAS can accumulate in soil, water and even human blood, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Because PFAS are used in such a wide range of products, from cookware and cosmetics to food packaging and upholstery, most people are exposed through everyday activities. That’s why awareness and transparency around PFAS have become such urgent priorities in both manufacturing and consumer health.

PFAS weren’t designed with long-term safety in mind, and their durability has proven to be a double-edged sword. Because they don’t break down easily, these chemicals can build up in both the environment and the human body over time, leading researchers to question their potential health impacts.

Emerging studies have linked exposure to certain PFAS compunds with various health issues, including:

• Hormone disruption
• Immune system impairment
• Liver damage
• Increased risk of certain cancers
• Decreased infant birth weight
• Increased cholesterol levels

And the list goes on. Beyond human health, the environmental toll is just as troubling. PFAS have been found in soil, groundwater and even rain, contaminating ecosystems and food sources on a global scale. Because they’re so difficult to remove once released, prevention – not cleanup – has become the primary strategy. That’s why growing awareness, regulatory action and verified transparency through certifications are so important: they give consumers a way to choose products designed with long-term safety in mind.

The reality is that PFAS are hard to avoid completely. But progress starts with awareness! By making a few intentional swaps, you can significantly limit your family’s exposure and help reduce the demand for PFAS-treated products in the marketplace. 

Here are five simple, practical ways to start:

Many nonstick pans and bakeware rely on PFAS-based coatings to create a slick surface. When heated, these coatings can break down and release fumes that may contribute to indoor air contamination. Choose alternatives like stainless steel, cast iron or ceramic-coated cookware – durable options that perform beautifully without the risk.

PFAS are often used to make upholstery, carpets and outdoor gear resistant to spills or moisture. Skip items treated with stain- or water-repellent coatings whenever possible unless you can verify that there are no detectable PFAS in the product, and otherwise look for untreated natural fibers such as organic cotton, wool or linen. These materials not only feel better but also minimize chemical exposure in your home.

Like we mentioned above, one major environmental effect of PFAS is water contamination. To reduce your PFAS exposure, consider installing a high-quality filter for your drinking water. Look for something certified to remove PFAS, such as an activated carbon or reverse osmosis system. Regularly maintain and replace your filter as recommended by its manufacturer to ensure its effectiveness.

PFAS are commonly used in fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes to prevent grease from soaking through. At home, choose glass or stainless-steel containers for food storage, and use uncoated parchment paper for baking. Small changes in your kitchen routine can make a big difference over time.

PFAS can sometimes be found in waterproof or stain-resistant mattress layers, mattress protectors or bedding finishes. To avoid them, opt for brands that use natural waterproofing alternatives and safe, certified organic materials like cotton and wool. Your bed is where you spend nearly a third of your life, so it’s one of the most meaningful places to invest in safer design.

In a marketplace crowded with “PFAS-free” claims and greenwashing, consumers have little way to know which ones are actually backed by science. That’s where UL Solutions’ Environmental Claim Validation (ECV) for Non-Detectable PFAS comes in, one of the newest and most rigorous third-party certifications that confirms products have been independently tested and verified to contain no measurable PFAS above the strictest scientific thresholds.

Evaluated to UL 2884, the Environmental Claim Validation Procedure for Substance Content Claims, this certification tests for approximately 80 PFAS compounds and measures total fluorine levels to confirm compliance below 50 parts per million (ppm), the non-detectable threshold. The process also requires extensive documentation of materials, suppliers and manufacturing methods to ensure full transparency.

In 2025, Naturepedic became the world’s first mattress brand to earn this validation, achieving non-detectable PFAS results across its crib and kids mattresses. Naturepedic even took the extra step of commissioning additional independent lab testing for more than 250 PFAS compounds, all of which measured far below the most stringent limits.

This validation marks a significant step forward in chemical safety and consumer trust. For families, it offers measurable assurance that the products surrounding their children each night have been thoroughly tested – not simply labeled “PFAS-free.”

PFAS may be called “forever chemicals,” but the movement toward safer, more transparent products is proving that change is possible. Awareness is growing, regulations are tightening and consumers are asking better questions about what goes into the things they use every day.

For Naturepedic, earning UL’s Non-Detectable PFAS Validation is part of a larger mission to eliminate unnecessary chemicals from the sleep environment and lead with verified transparency. Because protecting your family (and the planet they’ll inherit) starts with knowing what’s in your home – and what’s not.