PFAS in Alltagsprodukten: Die vollständige Liste der ‚Ewigkeitschemikalien‘“

You're making breakfast on your favorite non-stick pan, unaware that microscopic particles might be transferring into your eggs. Your waterproof jacket keeps you dry during your morning run, but at what cost to your health? That stain-resistant carpet your toddler crawls on? It might be exposing them to chemicals that will stay in their body for years.

You want a healthy home, but the more you read about forever chemicals, the more overwhelming it feels. These per and polyfluoroalkyl substances— known as PFAS—hide plain sight throughout your home and in places you’d never expect: pans, makeup, toilet paper, carpets, even drinking water.

Manufactured since the 1940s, these chemicals are valued for being nearly indestructible: they repel water, grease, and stains, and withstand heat and corrosion.

What's unsettling: once these chemicals enter your body, they don't leave. They accumulate, year after year, potentially affecting everything from your immune system to your hormones.

Over time, PFAS have spread into air, soil, and water – even falling in rain – and have been detected in 99% of blood tested in surveys.

Research links exposure to high blood pressure in pregnancy, impacts on the immune system, and certain cancers. And labels rarely help— such products aren’t always easy to spot.

But once you know which products contain PFAS, you can make informed choices to protect yourself and your family. Below you’ll find a simple, well‑sourced roadmap and a list of products with pfas: what products often contain PFAS, how PFAS affect human health, and sensible, affordable steps to reduce PFAS exposure.

Key Takeaways

• PFAS are everywhere: The man-made chemicals appear in thousands of products through industrial processes, and they accumulate and persist in your body for decades

• Health effects on human health are serious: Studies link PFAS exposure to cancer, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, immune system effects, and more – even at low PFAS levels

• Common products with PFAS: Non-stick cookware (Teflon/PTFE pans), food packaging (fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags), food contact surfaces, stain-resistant fabrics (carpets, upholstery), waterproof clothing (rain jackets, activewear), cosmetics (long-wear or waterproof makeup), freshwater fish, certain dental flosses, some cleaning products and even bottled and drinking water.

• You can reduce exposure: While complete avoidance is impossible, smart choices can significantly lower your PFAS intake

Understanding PFAS: What You Need to Know

Before diving into the list of products, it’s important to understand what PFAS are and why they’re problematic. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances comprise over 12,000 synthetic chemicals, according to recent EPA assessments. Famous examples include PFOA and PFOS, once used in Teflon cookware and Scotchgard, respectively, until studies showed links to cancer and other health issues. Manufacturers phased out many “long-chain” PFAS like PFOA/PFOS in the early 2000s – only to replace them with “short-chain” PFAS that have similar persistence and toxicity.

What makes PFAS so useful, and dangerous, is the carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest in chemistry. These chemicals do not degrade under normal environmental conditions. Over decades, PFAS from consumer products and industrial sites have leached into groundwater and soil, eventually contaminating food and drinking water supplies. Most people today have multiple PFAS compounds in their bloodstream. The half-life of some PFAS in the human body is years, meaning they accumulate faster than we can excrete them.

The health effects on human health are sobering. Research has linked PFAS exposure to:

• Immune dysfunction: weakened vaccine response and higher infection risk

• Metabolic issues: thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, weight gain

• Reproductive harm: reduced fertility, pregnancy complications

• Cancer: increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers

In 2022, the EPA set health advisories for PFOA and PFOS at virtually zero – essentially acknowledging that no level is truly safe for human health.

Regulatory bodies like the U.S. EPA and CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances (ATSDR) have been steadily lowering advisory levels for PFAS in water as evidence of these risks grows. In 2022, the EPA set interim health advisories in the parts-per-quadrillion for PFOA/PFOS – essentially zero – reflecting how even extremely low concentrations can be harmful over time. This has prompted major PFAS manufacturers to face billions in legal settlements for contaminating water supplies. All of this underscores why eliminating PFAS from consumer products is crucial: we can’t easily remove them from our bodies or environment once they’re out there.

Products That Contain PFAS: Your Room-by-Room Guide

Keep in mind that not every individual product in these categories will have PFAS, but if the item is marketed as “non-stick,” “waterproof,” “grease-resistant,” or “stain-resistant,” there’s a good chance PFAS were used. Unfortunately, products rarely label PFAS ingredients outright. However, you can spot PFAS on labels by looking for chemical names like “fluoro” or “PTFE”. Below are the main products to watch out for:

Non-Stick Cookware & Bakeware

Many non-stick pots, pans, and bakeware owe their slipperiness to PFAS-based coatings. The classic example is Teflon, which is PTFE – a type of PFAS polymer. Older Teflon pans were made with PFOA, a long-chain PFAS now phased out due to toxicity, but PTFE itself is a PFAS still used in cookware today. When you cook, especially at high heat or if the coating is scratched, microscopic PFAS particles and fumes can leach or off-gas into food and air. This is why even “PFOA-free” labeled pans aren’t necessarily safe – they often contain other PFAS variants.

Your safer alternatives: A recent legal case highlighted this issue: the cookware brand HexClad was sued for marketing “PFAS-free” pans while using PTFE (a PFAS) in its coating. Some states are taking action; Minnesota, for instance, passed a law in 2023 banning PFAS in cookware coatings (effective 2025). If you’re concerned, consider switching to PFAS-free alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, or truly PFAS-free ceramic cookware. Be wary of greenwashing like “PFOA-free” – look explicitly for “PFAS-free” on product specs

Food Packaging & Disposable Foodware

That grease-proof wrapper around your burger? The shiny lining in your pizza box? Even candy wrappers at the checkout? They're also likely coated with polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to prevent oil from soaking through. These food contact surfaces directly touch what you eat, creating a pathway for chemical migration. Microwave popcorn bags are particularly problematic – studies show people who frequently eat microwave popcorn have elevated PFAS levels.

Food packaging represents one of the most direct exposure routes. Until recently, this was completely legal. The FDA authorized certain PFAS for food contact surfaces. But the landscape is changing: the EPA announced in 2024 that companies have 18 months to phase out intentionally-added PFAS in food packaging. Several states including New York, Washington, and California already banned PFAS in food contact materials.

Reduce your exposure: For now, assume any grease-resistant paper or compostable foodware could have PFAS unless it specifically says “PFAS-free”. To reduce exposure, minimize contact between food and packaging (e.g. transfer takeout to your own plate), and avoid re-heating food in its wrapper. Pop popcorn in a plain brown bag or use an air popper instead of microwave bags.

Stain-Resistant Carpets, Furniture & Textiles

If your carpet boasts "stain-resistant" properties, PFAS likely made that possible. Manufacturers have long applied PFAS-based finishes to carpets, sofas, and curtains. Here's what worries me: these treated fabrics slowly shed microscopic fibers containing PFAS, gradually raising PFAS levels in household dust. Toddlers, who crawl and put everything in their mouths, face the highest exposure.

Companies like IKEA have eliminated PFAS from furniture textiles. But lab tests in 2022 found 72% of stain-resistant textiles still contained measurable PFAS levels, despite being sold by major retailers as safe.

Smart choices: Consider avoiding optional “stain-resistant” treatments when buying carpets or furniture. Opt for natural materials that are naturally stain-hiding (dark colors, patterns) or use washable covers. For existing carpets, vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter to reduce PFAS-laden dust

Waterproof Clothing & Outdoor Gear

FAS have been a staple in the outdoor apparel industry. Items labeled “waterproof,” “water-resistant,” or “breathable” – from rain jackets, hiking pants and boots, to camping tents and sleeping bags – often use PFAS-based membranes or coatings (e.g. GORE-TEX and similar). These treatments keep water and oil off fabrics. However, they also pose issues: the PFAS finish can wear off over time (especially with abrasion or washing), potentially getting onto your skin or into wash water. And when these garments are discarded, PFAS can leach out in landfills.

Analysis in 2022 found 72% of tested water-resistant clothing products contained PFAS. Major brands are responding: Patagonia, REI, The North Face, and others have announced PFAS elimination initiatives. California and New York passed laws banning PFAS in apparel by 2025.

Your options: Look for "PFAS-free DWR" finishes. Some brands use silicone or wax alternatives. Be prepared for a trade-off: you might need to re-proof gear more often if it’s PFAS-free. Alternatively, for casual use, an umbrella or a less chemically-treated raincoat might suffice instead of heavily treated fabrics.

Cosmetics & Personal Care Products

Many makeup products contain PFAS for spreadability, shine, and durability.Long-wear foundations, liquid lipsticks, waterproof mascaras and eyeliners, concealers, and nail polishes – they often include PFAS compounds that can impact human health through dermal absorption. An EWG-backed study warned that PFAS absorbed dermally may cause the same harms as ingestion.

Beyond makeup, some moisturizers, sunscreens, shampoos, and shaving creams have been found to contain PFAS, either added for texture or as a byproduct of other ingredients.

A 2021 peer-reviewed study found 52% of tested cosmetics had high fluorine levels indicating PFAS. Most didn't list PFAS on labels. Brands like L'Oréal, Maybelline, and Clinique were implicated.

How to avoid: Check ingredient lists for words like “perfluoro” or “polyfluoro” or “PTFE.” For example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is literally Teflon – it’s used in some anti-friction makeup. Other PFAS ingredients include anything with “fluoro” or “perfluor” in the name (e.g. perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane). Opt for clean beauty brands that explicitly advertise no PFAS or are “EWG Verified”. Also, be cautious with “wear-resistant” or “long-lasting” claims – those products are the most likely to have a chemical assist.

Surprising Sources: Dental Floss, Toilet Paper & More

Some everyday items you'd never suspect contain PFAS. Certain dental floss brands (especially "glide" types) use PTFE coating – essentially putting Teflon in your mouth. A 2023 study found PFAS in many toilet paper brands worldwide, possibly from recycled fibers or additives.

Consumer groups have also detected varying PFAS levels in:

• Band-aids and bandages (for water resistance)

• Period underwear and pads (for leak-proofing)

• Contact lenses

• Ski wax

• Cell phone coatings

Simple swaps: Look for PFAS-free labels or product information for these items. For floss, consider natural silk floss or PFAS-free nylon floss (several brands now advertise this). For sanitary products, some companies now proudly label “no PFAS” on period underwear or use polyurethane coatings instead. While it’s hard to know with toilet paper (few labels disclose PFAS status), using unbleached, bamboo, or other eco-friendly toilet paper might reduce the risk, as some PFAS enter via recycled paper processes.

Cleaning Products & Household Treatments

Fabric protector sprays, waterproofing treatments, specialty cleaners, and polishes – PFAS appears in many household products. The original Scotchgard formula was PFAS-based (3M reformulated after 2003). Various furniture polishes, floor waxes, and car polishes contain PFAS for their protective properties. A Florida study found PFAS in dry-cleaning solutions at 2 of 7 businesses sampled.

Safer options: Read labels for ingredients like “fluorosurfactant.” Opt for PFAS-free fabric protectors (some newer products use silicone or acrylic polymers instead). For routine cleaning, simple options (vinegar, alcohol-based cleaners, etc.) are safer. If you use a shoe waterproofing spray, check if the brand boasts “PFAS-free” – some outdoor gear companies offer alternatives now.

Drinking Water, Bottled Water, and Foods

Though not a "product" you buy, tap water is a major PFAS exposure route. PFAS from industrial processes and landfills leach into groundwater. Over 200 million Americans have some PFAS in their tap water. Nearly half of U.S. tap water samples contain detectable PFAS levels.

Surprisingly, bottled water isn't always safer – some brands source from areas with PFAS contamination, and plastic bottles themselves may contain trace amounts. Always check if your bottled water brand tests for PFAS.

Foods can contain PFAS through:

• Freshwater fish from polluted waters (PFOS accumulates heavily in fish tissue)

• Dairy from farms using contaminated sludge

• Produce grown in contaminated soil

• Processed foods contacting PFAS packaging, including those in candy wrappers

A 2021 study found PFAS in common grocery items like ground beef, milk, and greens at low levels, likely from environmental uptake. Another analysis noted eggs and seafood can show higher PFAS if local water or feed is contaminated.

Protection strategies: Use water filters certified for PFAS removal (reverse osmosis or activated carbon). Research your bottled water source. Limit consumption of freshwater fish from contaminated areas. Check if your area appears on EPA contamination maps.

International Developments: The Global Response

The EU is pursuing the most ambitious PFAS ban, potentially restricting 10,000 chemicals in consumer products by 2025-2026. Denmark already banned PFAS in food packaging and food contact surfaces in 2020.

Canada is reviewing PFAS in cosmetics and aligning with U.S. standards on acceptable PFAS levels. Australia focuses on phasing out PFAS firefighting foams from industrial processes. Under the Stockholm Convention, several PFAS are now listed as persistent organic pollutants requiring global elimination.

In the US momentum builds:

• EPA proposed the first national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals, setting strict PFAS levels

• FDA secured voluntary agreements to stop PFAS in food packaging by 2024

• 14+ states passed PFAS restrictions covering various products

• Maine requires PFAS reporting and will ban non-essential uses by 2030

These regulations mean the list of products with PFAS will shrink in coming years – a rare bit of good news. However, existing PFAS pollution and stockpiles will linger, so your awareness remains crucial.

Your Action Plan: Reducing PFAS Exposure

You can't completely avoid PFAS – they're too widespread from decades of industrial processes. But you can significantly reduce exposure and lower your PFAS levels:

1. Filter your water: Invest in certified PFAS-removal systems for tap and consider tested bottled water

2. Choose PFAS-free cookware: Cast iron, stainless steel, glass, ceramic

3. Minimize processed foods: Especially those in grease-resistant packaging or candy wrappers

4. Skip stain treatments: On carpets, furniture, clothing

5. Read cosmetics labels: Avoid "perfluoro" or "PTFE" ingredients

6. Support regulation: Contact representatives about PFAS legislation

Remember, every small PFAS-free choice helps reduce your body's PFAS levels over time.

The Bottom Line

Learning about polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in everyday products feels overwhelming. But you're not powerless. Armed with this knowledge about PFAS levels and health effects, you can make informed choices that significantly reduce your family's exposure.

Start small. Maybe switch your cookware this month. Choose PFAS-free cosmetics next time you shop. Install that water filter you've been considering. Each choice matters for your health.

The regulatory landscape is shifting in our favor. Companies are reformulating. Alternatives are emerging. By staying informed and voting with your dollars, you're part of the solution.

FAQ: Your PFAS Questions Answered

What products are high in PFAS?

Products high in PFAS include non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant furniture and carpets, firefighting foams, and food packaging (especially greaseproof and grease-resistant containers). Personal care products like cosmetics and shampoos, microwave popcorn bags, and certain paints and pesticides also contain significant PFAS levels.

How do I know if a product has PFAS?

Look for ingredients containing "perfluoro," "fluoro," or "PTFE." Be suspicious of "stain-resistant," "non-stick," or "waterproof" claims unless explicitly labeled PFAS-free. Some companies are beginning to voluntarily label products as "PFAS-free," and you can check manufacturer websites or contact companies directly about their PFAS policies.

Do ziploc bags contain PFAS?

Traditional plastic storage bags like Ziploc typically do not contain PFAS, as they're made from polyethylene which doesn't require PFAS for basic moisture resistance. However, specialized food storage bags with enhanced grease-resistance or non-stick properties may contain PFAS. Standard plastic storage bags are generally considered a safer option compared to treated food packaging.

How to avoid PFAS in clothing?

Avoid clothing labeled as "water-resistant," "stain-resistant," "wrinkle-free," or "permanent press," as these treatments often use PFAS chemicals. Choose natural fibers like organic cotton, wool, and linen over synthetic materials with special coatings. When possible, select clothing from brands that specifically advertise PFAS-free manufacturing processes, and consider that outdoor gear and activewear are more likely to contain PFAS due to their water and stain-resistant properties.

Does makeup contain PFAS?

Yes – studies found varying PFAS levels in many cosmetics, especially long-lasting or waterproof products, often without label disclosure. To avoid PFAS in cosmetics, look for brands that specifically advertise PFAS-free formulations or choose products with simpler, more natural ingredient lists.

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

Bottled water is not necessarily safer than tap water regarding PFAS contamination, as studies have found PFAS in both sources. Tap water in the U.S. is regulated and monitored by the EPA, while bottled water regulation varies and some brands may actually be sourced from municipal tap water supplies. For PFAS removal specifically, consider using activated carbon or reverse osmosis filtration systems for tap water, which can be more effective and environmentally sustainable than relying on bottled water