Per- or polyfluorochemicals, known as PFAS chemicals, are a family of chemicals that are widely used to make water-, grease- and stain-repellent coatings. They’re also used in myriad consumer goods and industrial applications.
These chemicals are notoriously persistent in the environment and the human body, and some have been linked to serious health effects.
For ways to avoid these harmful chemicals, check out EWG’s Guide to Avoiding PFAS Chemicals.
For more EWG resources on nonstick chemicals, check out EWG’s national Tap Water Database to see if these chemicals were found in your local tap water and our 2017 report on the chemicals’ widespread use in fast food wrappers.
