PFAS in Products
Tackling toxic “forever chemicals” in products
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” are toxic substances added to a wide range of products—from clothing and food packaging to firefighting foam and gear. These chemicals are dangerous to our health, incredibly persistent in the environment, and nearly impossible to avoid.
For decades, chemical companies have added PFAS to products to make them water-, grease-, or stain-resistant. But this convenience comes at a steep cost: PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, immune system harm, reproductive issues, and other serious health problems. Once released into the environment, PFAS don’t break down, polluting our drinking water, contaminating our food, and building up in our bodies.
At Toxic-Free Future, we’re working to end the use of PFAS in products. We push for policies that eliminate harmful chemicals and hold companies accountable, while promoting safer solutions that protect health and the environment.
Where PFAS are found in products
These toxic chemicals are hiding in more places than you think. Toxic-Free Future is focused on eliminating PFAS from key product categories where exposures are most widespread and preventable, including PFAS in clothing and home textiles; PFAS in food packaging and wrappers; and PFAS in firefighting foam and gear.
PFAS IN PRODUCTS
Our Key Projects & Priorities
PFAS in clothing and home textiles
PFAS are commonly used in stain- and water-resistant treatments for apparel, bedding, upholstery, and outdoor gear. These chemicals can shed from fabrics and enter our indoor air and dust, where people—especially children—are easily exposed. Learn how we’re driving brands and policymakers to adopt safer alternatives.
Toxics in food packaging
Many food wrappers and containers contain toxic chemicals, like PFAS and phthalates, that can leach into our food. These substances are linked to serious health risks, including hormone disruption, cancer, and developmental harm. Toxic-Free Future is calling for safer materials and stronger regulations to protect people from hidden hazards in food packaging.
PFAS in firefighting foam and gear
Firefighters face some of the highest levels of PFAS exposure due to the use of PFAS-based firefighting foams and gear coated with these chemicals. Toxic-Free Future is standing with firefighters to protect those who protect us—demanding safer foam, gear, and stronger regulations.
What we’re doing about it
Toxic-Free Future uses science, advocacy, and consumer pressure to drive systemic change and eliminate PFAS at the source. Our approach includes:
- Researching the problem and publishing groundbreaking reports that expose PFAS use in everyday products
- Pushing corporate leaders to phase out PFAS and switch to safer alternatives
- Advancing state and federal policies that ban PFAS in products and hold polluters accountable
- Educating the public about how to reduce exposure and demand change
Our Impact
Real wins for health and the environment:
- Secured the first-in-the-nation ban on PFAS in food packaging in Washington, which helped catalyze policy adoption in ten additional states
- Drove major retailers—including McDonald’s, Whole Foods, and REI—to phase out PFAS in products
- Partnered with firefighters to pass first-in-the-nation laws banning PFAS in firefighting foam and gear
- Conducted scientific testing that exposed PFAS in popular clothing and in food packaging—driving national media coverage and policy change
Together, we’re proving that safer solutions are possible—and achievable.
What you can do
Together, we can end the toxic cycle of PFAS pollution. Here’s how you can take action:
- Call on retailers and brands to eliminate PFAS from their products
- Choose safer products by learning what to avoid and how to shop smarter
- Support legislation that bans PFAS and protects communities
- Join our movement to stay informed and amplify your voice
