What are PFAS?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are human-made compounds that are typically manufactured for their non-stick, heat-resistant, water and oil resistant properties. Since the 1930’s, manufacturers have used PFAS to produce many household items, such as cookware, carpets, clothes, furniture fabrics, and food packaging. They degrade extremely slowly and remain persistent and widespread in the environment, earning the nickname ‘forever chemicals.’
There are thousands of different PFAS compounds. Of the many toxic PFAS compounds, two (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA] and perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS]) have been banned in the US. California has additionally banned other PFAS compounds in certain products, but many other PFAS compounds continue to be used in manufacturing in the US and imported from abroad in consumer goods.
Many PFAS are toxic to people and wildlife. To learn more about PFAS and associated health risks, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s PFAS Explained website and handout.
PFAS and Bay Area Wastewater
Wastewater in the Bay Area contains low levels of PFAS, primarily from homes. PFAS also comes from office buildings, businesses, and facilities like airports, fire stations, military bases, and landfills. The sources of PFAS in wastewater in the Bay Area are still being studied, but likely sources are toilets, showers, and washing machines.
Wastewater agencies do not produce or introduce PFAS in any way. PFAS enters wastewater when people wash, rinse, or clean products containing the chemicals. The water then enters the sewer system and travels to wastewater treatment plants. Current treatment technology cannot remove PFAS from wastewater. As a result, treated wastewater discharged to local waterways like San Francisco Bay contains low levels of PFAS (Lin, 2024).
Bay Area wastewater agencies are working together to monitor and develop solutions that address this emerging contaminant through source control. For example, agencies are participating in scientific studies to identify residential and industrial sources of PFAS through cooperation with the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Bay Area Clean Water Agencies, Department of Toxics Substances Control, and the San Francisco Estuary Institute.
How can you help prevent PFAS Pollution?
The most cost-effective and impactful way to prevent PFAS pollution is to remove PFAS from consumer products. California has already banned PFAS from several product categories, but PFAS are still found in thousands of other products that are not subject to the current product bans, like food packaging, toilet paper, paints, automobiles, sports equipment, electronics, pet care products, and cleaning products.
You can help prevent PFAS pollution! Contact your local California representative to express your support for removing PFAS from consumer products sold in California by passing Senate Bill 682 (Allen).
Cosmetics
As of January 1, 2025, the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act of 2020 (AB 2762) and the PFAS-Free Beauty Act of 2022 (AB 2771) ban intentionally added PFAS for cosmetics sold in California.
Textiles
As of January 1, 2025, the California Safer Clothes and Textiles Act of 2022 (AB 1817) bans intentionally added PFAS for most clothing and other textiles sold in California.
Juvenile Products
As of July 1, 2023, intentionally added PFAS is not allowed in juvenile products sold in California, such as high chairs, strollers, and car seats (see AB-652).
Food Packaging
The California Safer Food Packaging and Cookware Act (AB 1200) banned the sale of paper-based food packaging containing PFAS chemicals beginning in 2023.
Textile and Leather Treatments
In 2022, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control adopted regulations for PFAS in treatments for carpets, upholstery, clothing, and shoes.
Menstrual Products
Starting in 2029, AB 2515 prohibits the sale of menstrual products containing PFAS in California.
Carpets and Rugs
In 2021, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control adopted regulations for PFAS in carpets and rugs.
What’s Next?
PFAS may still be found in many other products sold in California, including food packaging, toilet paper, paints, automobiles, sports equipment, electronics, pet care products, and cleaning products. With your support, we can work to get toxic PFAS compounds removed from these products, too!
Buy PFAS-Free Products
Many manufacturers are now offering PFAS-free products and alternatives. As a consumer, you can avoid using products that contain PFAS, such as:
- Rain jackets – Choose products that are free of PFAS, heavy metals, PVC, and phthalates.
- Floor waxes and cleaning products – Switch to chemical-free options or avoid products with perfluorinated compounds.
- Dental floss – Choose products made with cotton and natural waxes or silk.
- Car wax/polish – Avoid using this product.
- Furniture textiles – Choose products without stain-resistant coatings.
- Cosmetics – While the transition to PFAS-free products is happening, it’s safest to choose products that don’t contain ingredients like Fluor, Fluoro, or PTFE.
• Non-stick cookware – Avoid using this product. Beware of products that claim to be PFOS or PFOA-free; they may contain similar substitutes. Use cast iron and stainless steel instead.
• Ski wax – Avoid using this product.
Resources
PFAS Central, an initiative from the Green Science Policy Institute, provides an extensive list of PFAS-free products, including cosmetics, household cleaners, cookware, outdoor apparel, and more.
The Environmental Working Group provides an extensive list of PFAS-free products, including links to company policies regarding these chemicals.
Center for Environmental Health – Guided by advanced science, CEH reduces exposure to toxic chemicals in our air, water, soil, food, and the products we use every day.
