Living with Forever Chemicals: How to Lower PFAS Levels at Home

In a recent investigation, a mother visits a clinic for a routine blood test to check PFAS, a family of chemicals commonly known as forever chemicals. The goal is to understand how widespread these substances are in the body and what the results could mean for her family’s health.

What PFAS are and why they matter

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are thousands of man-made chemicals used to repel water and stains in a wide range of products, from weatherproof clothing to nonstick cookware and certain cleaners. These chemicals persist in the environment and can linger in the human body for years.

Blood test results and what they mean

Experts say that any detectable PFAS above 2 nanograms per milliliter of blood can carry health risks. In this case, the test showed a level of 9.8 ng/mL, prompting careful, supportive discussion with a clinician about potential long-term effects.

During pregnancy, some PFAS can pass from mother to baby, which lowers the mother’s level but increases the child’s exposure. This realization made the story feel deeply personal for the author.

They would have been even higher before pregnancy, the clinician noted, underscoring how exposure can shift over a lifetime.

Practical steps to reduce exposure at home

Experts emphasize straightforward changes you can make. Increase daily fiber intake through oats, barley, beans, nuts and seeds, or use fiber supplements; fiber can help reduce PFAS levels over months and years. Swap nonstick cookware containing PFAS for ceramic, stainless steel or cast iron. Install a reliable water filter and choose cleaning products that are clearly PFAS-free. Look for PFAS-free makeup and hair products and avoid items with terms like fluoro or PTFE in the ingredient list.

Clothing, kids’ products and everyday items

Tests on children’s clothing have found PFAS in some items, even when manufacturers claim PFAS-free lines. A jacket sampled in our review contained PFAS in an older batch, while newer items produced since 2023 were reported PFAS-free. Experts warn that skin contact with treated fabrics can transfer PFAS to the body, so choose clothes with PFAS-free certifications and avoid labels that promise water or stain resistance unless they are confirmed PFAS-free.

When evaluating risk, avoiding heavily labeled water-repellent or stain-resistant fabrics without credible PFAS-free verification is a prudent choice.

PFAS in food and daily exposure

Most exposure comes from the food we eat. Health authorities note PFAS can be found in fish, meat, eggs, fruit and even some fruit products, due to pesticide formulations and processing practices. Even a bottle of wine can carry PFAS residues from the production and packaging process, highlighting how pervasive these chemicals are in daily life.

Policy, industry and guidance

The European Union is considering a broad ban on around 10,000 PFAS chemicals. The United Kingdom is weighing restrictions and assessing risks while seeking safer alternatives. The Chemical Industries Association argues for transition periods to allow safer substitutes to reach the market, emphasizing collaboration between regulators and industry.

For now, practical steps at home remain essential to reduce exposure and protect family health.

While the journey is daunting, the takeaway is clear: informed choices and gradual changes can lower PFAS exposure over time even if zero levels are unlikely.

Expert note: Lowering PFAS to zero is unlikely, but targeted lifestyle changes can reduce levels over two to three years. PFAS accumulate in the body and do not break down easily, so reducing exposure remains important for long-term health.

Conclusion

The presence of PFAS is widespread, but practical, steady steps can lower exposure and help protect family health. From kitchen upgrades to water filtration and mindful product choices, readers can make meaningful progress over time.

In the end, knowledge is power—and a plan to reduce exposure can bring real, observable benefits for families.

Key takeaway: PFAS are persistent in the body and environment, but informed actions can reduce exposure over time. For more details, see the BBC News article: BBC News