While no country has completely banned all thousands of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) yet, many nations are heavily restricting or phasing them out. The European Union (led by five countries) is pushing for a universal ban, while specific countries have enacted targeted prohibitions:
New Zealand. The Environmental Protection Authority (New Zealand) has banned the use of PFAS in cosmetic products starting from 31 December 2026. This will make the country one of the first in the world to take this step on PFAS to protect people and the environment.
Consumer studies and independent laboratory testing have found that Ziploc brand bags do not contain detectable levels of PFAS ("forever chemicals").
These are the states where PFAS drinking water contamination is the worst:
Yes, your body can get rid of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), but it takes a very long time. Because they take so long to clear, they are often called "forever chemicals".
Chick-fil-A fully phased out intentionally added PFAS in its supply chain, completing the transition in the summer of 2022.
PFAS are generally considered more dangerous to human health at low levels because they are toxic chemicals directly linked to serious issues like cancer and hormone disruption. Microplastics, however, are a broader ecological threat. The two are frequently linked together, as plastic often acts as a carrier for PFAS in the environment.
Hawaii is widely considered the cleanest state in the U.S. It consistently takes the #1 spot in national rankings for natural environment, boasting the best air quality (lowest AQI) and cleanest drinking water in the country due to its remote island location and constant ocean breezes.
Their research found PFAS in 39 bottles (about 39% total), including at least one water sample that contained 15 of 32 tested compounds. In an analysis of the research, Consumer Reports notes that purified water tended to contain less PFAS than spring water.
No U.S. state completely bans or prohibits drinking tap water. However, all tap water contains varying levels of contaminants. Several states face significant water safety or quality concerns—ranging from aging lead pipes to agricultural runoff—making certain municipal or rural supplies unsafe or unpalatable without filtration.
No, not all parchment paper contains PFAS. Many brands have shifted away from "forever chemicals" and instead use silicone coatings to achieve non-stick properties. However, some cheaper or traditionally bleached brands do still contain PFAS, so it is important to check the label.
The safest plastics for food storage are Polypropylene (PP, #5), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE, #2), and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE, #4). These materials are stable, resist leaching chemicals into food, and are generally BPA- and phthalate-free.
Seafood, particularly shellfish (clams, crab, oysters) and freshwater fish, consistently tests highest for PFAS. This is closely followed by animal-derived products, processed foods, and items in grease-resistant packaging.
Brazil is the world's largest consumer of agricultural pesticides, applying over 800,000 metric tons annually. The United States follows as the second-largest user (approx. 430,000 tons), while China, Argentina, and Indonesia round out the top five.
Europe (EU) and America have fundamentally different approaches to product safety. The EU follows the "precautionary principle," meaning ingredients or products are banned if there is a suspected risk to health, even without definitive proof. America generally permits ingredients unless there is conclusive evidence of harm, regulating safe dosage limits instead.
The United States does not have a universal ban on Roundup or products containing glyphosate.
When selecting bottled water in the USA, safety is generally defined by strict filtration standards (like reverse osmosis) and clear transparency regarding the geographic source. Because regulations are complex, the safest options are heavily filtered purified waters or independently lab-tested natural spring waters.
Chick-fil-A does not intentionally use PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in its food packaging. Following a 2022 industry investigation, the company successfully phased out all oil and grease-resistant coatings containing intentionally added PFAS from its chainwide supply chain in the summer of 2022.
There is no single "worst" city for tap water, as safety versus taste varies by location. However, major cities consistently flagged for poor quality include:
Depending on the metric used, Louisiana and West Virginia consistently rank as the unhealthiest states in the U.S. Both states face severe public health challenges.
The least toxic places to live in the US are generally concentrated in New England, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii. These regions feature the lowest levels of industrial toxins, the cleanest air, and robust environmental protections.
Hawaii consistently ranks as the U.S. state with the cleanest tap water, boasting a near-perfect score of 99.9 out of 100 on population-weighted EPA metrics. Its water is sourced from pristine underground aquifers and natural springs.
Ziploc bags are not inherently "full" of microplastics when manufactured, but they can release tiny plastic particles into your food. The breakdown primarily occurs when the bags are exposed to extreme temperatures—such as in the microwave or freezer—or physically stressed through repeated use, cleaning, and friction along the sealing tracks.
Your body primarily flushes microplastics through natural excretion (feces, urine, and sweat). Because completely avoiding plastics is impossible, you can optimize your body's natural cleansing pathways by increasing dietary fiber, prioritizing hydration, and eating antioxidant-rich foods.
Coffee isn't "full" of microplastics, but it does contain them. Synthetic plastic particles enter your brew primarily from heated single-use pods, disposable plastic-lined to-go cups, and the internal plastic components of hot water coffee makers.