Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are part of a large group of lab-made chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Some of these chemicals have been in commercial use since the 1940s.
What are PFAS? Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (together known as PFAS) are a class of man-made chemicals, not found naturally in the environment. PFOA (sometimes known as “C8”) and PFOS are the two PFAS that have been the most extensively produced and therefore are the most studied of these chemicals.
The classification controversy stems from differences in chemical structure between traditional PFAS compounds and PTFEs like Teflon®. While both groups contain carbon-fluorine bonds, traditional PFAS compounds contain other elements, such as nitrogen and oxygen.
Overall, PFAS chemicals were detected in 63% of bottled waters. There was no significant difference in PFAS levels between waters in glass or plastic containers, or between still and sparkling bottled waters, researchers said.
However, not all PFOA-free cookware is created equal. Some non-stick coatings still contain other chemicals. This makes it essential for consumers to choose cookware that is free of not only PFOA but also other harmful substances like PFAS.
PFAS are difficult for humans to detoxify and have half-lives measured in years. They are excreted through urine, menstrual blood, breast milk, and stool but not through sweat. Most of the detoxification is through the liver, though mechanisms are unclear.
ceramic is among the safest material for pans
From dishes, to glasses, bakeware and cookware, ceramic bakeware is our pick for the best cookware material for health thanks to its non-reactive nature and resistance to high temperatures and acidic foods. Plus it's so pretty!
Are Brita Pitcher Filters Certified to Reduce PFAS? Yes, the Brita Elite Filter is certified under NSF/ANSI 53 to reduce perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—specifically PFOS and PFOA—in drinking water. The Standard Brita filter is not certified for the removal of PFOS or PFOA.
Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water has no PFAS in any of its products, including its sparkling and non-carbonated water. In fact, Waiākea is one of few bottled water brands to have no detectable (ND) levels of PFAS in its still or sparkling water.
The good news: More and more mainstream brands, such as H&M, Zara, and Levi Strauss & Co are producing affordable PFAS-free collections, but we love the below brands because they are both PFAS-free and sustainably made with organic materials.
It's therefore important to clarify that stainless steel does not contain PFAS/PFOS.
Known as “Forever Chemicals,” PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) chemicals are a family of synthetic chemicals that build up in humans and are linked to numerous health problems including cancer.
For decades, DuPont used perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, or C8) during production of PTFE, later discontinuing its use due to legal actions over ecotoxicological and health effects of exposure to PFOA. Dupont's spin-off Chemours today manufactures PTFE using an alternative chemical it calls GenX, another PFAS.
Take action. You can avoid the most obvious offenders by replacing nonstick pans with stainless steel, cast-iron, glass, or ceramic alternatives. Also, don't heat up food that's wrapped in grease-resistant packaging. And make popcorn on the stovetop instead of in PFAS-treated microwave bags.
Rainwater is unlike the rest as it comes from a natural source void of groundwater contamination. Rainwater is sourced from the clouds and never touches the ground. This makes this type of water the purest water available on the planet.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a corrosion resistant and rust free metal. Most reusable water bottles come with double wall vacuum insulated technology that keeps your drinks cool (or hot) for hours.
We tested Dasani at a higher 28 ppm TDS, likely due to the stuff they've added compared to Aquafina. It was slightly more acidic at 6.1 pH. And it was soft and tasted clean and fresh! Similar, medium price, as with Aquafina.
The lawsuit alleges that by writing on their labels that their filters “Reduce 3X contaminants,” Brita has falsely given consumers the impression that the filter removes “arsenic, chromium-6, nitrate and nitrites” and other chemicals, including PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” It does not mention misleading ...
Other types of common water treatment systems, such as water softeners or iron filtration systems, are not likely to remove PFAS. Boiling water will not remove PFAS. While many homes have whole-house water softening or iron filtration systems, sampling data indicate that those systems do NOT remove PFAS.
Key points. Public tap water in the United States is regulated and usually safe to drink. However, sometimes tap water gets contaminated with chemicals that can make you sick. Contact your drinking water utility or health department if you think your tap water is contaminated with harmful chemicals.
Based on this list, it is best to avoid Teflon and other nonstick pans, especially those made with either PTFE or PFOA, as well as aluminum pots and pans.
Then, we removed GreenPan entirely from our list of non-toxic cookware. There were two primary reasons: Competing brands began providing independent laboratory testing to prove their products are non-toxic. We became aware of lawsuits against GreenPan that cast doubt on the company's marketing claims.