Chemicals And Products That Contain PFAS
Find common products that contain PFAS, the main PFAS chemical types, what the name means, and why they are used.
PFAS are thousands of human-made chemicals found in products such as nonstick cookware, carpets, clothing, food packaging, firefighting foam, and waterproof cosmetics. PFOA and PFOS were widely used, but they remain in the environment and some firefighting foams after commercial phaseouts.
| PFAS fact | Examples or details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances |
| Common PFAS types | PFOA and PFOS |
| Cookware | Nonstick coatings |
| Food packaging | Paper and cardboard coatings |
| Fabrics | Carpets, clothing, and protective fabric coatings |
| Cosmetics | Waterproof cosmetics |
| Fire control | Firefighting foams |
What PFAS stands for
PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Yale Sustainability describes PFAS as a fully human-made family formed by connecting carbon and fluorine.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says there are thousands of PFAS types. Yale Sustainability cites estimates of as many as 14,000 compounds.
Products that can contain PFAS
The American Cancer Society says PFAS have been used in nonstick cookware, coatings for carpets and fabrics, paper and cardboard food packaging, firefighting foams, and ski wax. Yale Sustainability also lists computer chips, toilet paper, waterproof cosmetics, fast food wrappers, and clothing.
Yale Sustainability says product terms such as stain-resistant, waterproof, grease-resistant, and nonstick can indicate PFAS. It also says PFAS often were not identified on product labels or ingredient lists.
What PFAS are used for
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says PFAS resist heat, grease, and water. The American Cancer Society says their stability can help products resist oil, stains, water, and heat.
Consumer Notice says PFAS are used in paints and sealants to improve spreading and stain resistance and reduce peeling and bubbling. It says cosmetics may use PFAS for water resistance and durability.
Named PFAS chemicals
The American Cancer Society identifies PFOA and PFOS as the two PFAS made and used most in the United States. It says hexafluoropropylene oxide, also called a GenX chemical, is used as a PFOA replacement in manufacturing, while PFBS is used in place of PFOS.
