Common Uses of PFAS

Consumer Products Containing PFAS

Many consumer products that are resistant to water, grease, and oil are made with Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Common consumer products containing PFAS include nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, food wrappers, an array of cosmetics, medications, water-repellent clothing, and stain resistant materials. 

People can be exposed through consumer products, soil, food, water, and air containing PFAS. While PFAS are used to manufacture many consumer products, exposure is not necessarily a huge concern once the manufacturing process is complete for many products. However, food packaging and wrappers are likely of concern because there is potential for ingestion of chemical residues. This is the case for other products that might facilitate ingestion of PFAS, such as lipsticks. Additionally, food grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or treated with pesticides containing PFAS might pose more acute health risks.

"I don't think we know the extent of... what contains PFAS and the damages that it is doing to us."
Sara Love Maryland State Delegate
Aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, is one product containing high levels of PFAS. AFFF is used to put out fuel fires, such as fires from jet fuel, and as a result is often used at airports and military sites. AFFF has been a major source of PFAS groundwater contamination because it has been used frequently in training exercises and has been allowed to seep into groundwater.
Aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, is one product containing high levels of PFAS. AFFF is used to put out fuel fires, such as fires from jet fuel, and as a result is often used at airports and military sites. AFFF has been a major source of PFAS groundwater contamination because it has been used frequently in training exercises and has been allowed to seep into groundwater.
PFAS have been used to manufacture non-stick pans since the 1950s. They’ve been used most notoriously in Dupont’s Teflon pans. They are still used to manufacture non-stick pans today, leading to possible exposure of consumers.
PFAS have been used to manufacture non-stick pans since the 1950s. They’ve been used most notoriously in Dupont’s Teflon pans. They are still used to manufacture non-stick pans today, leading to possible exposure of consumers.
PFAS are used in a variety of food packaging and food wrappers. They have been found in wrappers from major fast food chains and are known to transfer from food packaging into food itself.
PFAS are used in a variety of food packaging and food wrappers. They have been found in wrappers from major fast food chains and are known to transfer from food packaging into food itself.
PFAS are present in an array of cosmetic and hygiene products. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are found in makeup products including lipstick, eyeshadow, and mascara and in personal care products including shampoo, sunscreen, and dental floss.
PFAS are present in an array of cosmetic and hygiene products. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are found in makeup products including lipstick, eyeshadow, and mascara and in personal care products including shampoo, sunscreen, and dental floss.
PFAS are also used in a variety of water, grease, and stain resistant products. They are used to manufacture raincoats, rugs, and waterproof clothing.
PFAS are also used in a variety of water, grease, and stain resistant products. They are used to manufacture raincoats, rugs, and waterproof clothing.

PFAS in Drinking Water

While there are many ways that people can be exposed to PFAS, this research focuses specifically on exposure through drinking water. Over 200 million people in the United States are exposed to significant levels of PFAS in their tap water and there are 2,858 sites of known PFAS water contamination across all U.S. 50 states and two territories. While this research focuses on exposure through drinking water, eliminating PFAS in consumer, industrial, and military products and processes can ultimately lead to reduced amounts of PFAS reaching waterways and leaching into groundwater.