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Which everyday products have contained PFAS chemicals?

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A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for fluorine, showing its atomic number 9, symbol F, atomic weight 18.998, electron configuration, and indicating it is a halogen and a gas at room temperature. — fluorine Properties of fluorine.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called "forever chemicals," are a group of synthetic compounds valued for their ability to repel oil, water, and grease, as well as their resistance to heat. Because of these properties, they have been used in a wide array of consumer and industrial products.123

Common everyday products that have contained PFAS include:

Food Packaging: Grease-resistant paper used for fast food, microwave popcorn, candy, and baked goods.2
Cookware: Nonstick coatings, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon).23
Textiles and Furnishings: Water-resistant clothing (particularly outerwear and footwear) and stain-resistant spray-on coatings for carpets and upholstery.23
Personal Care and Cosmetics: Products including shampoo, nail polish, dental floss, and various menstrual products.23
Household Maintenance: Cleaning products, paints, sealants, and varnishes.2

Additionally, PFAS are utilized in industrial applications, such as fire-fighting aqueous film-forming foams. Due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including links to cancer and endocrine disruption, many regions have begun implementing regulations to restrict their use.23