PFAS
What Are PFAS?
Recent news headlines have been sounding the alarm about manmade “forever” chemicals called PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances). But what are these chemical substances, and why should consumers be concerned about them?
Known for their resistance to heat, oil, stains, and water, PFAS have been in commercial use since the 1940s and are abundant in today’s society. They are found in many common household products, from non-stick cookware to cleaners, clothing, shampoo, and dental floss. Although the U.S. has banned some types of PFAS, there are still more than 5,000 types in use.
Due to the widespread use of PFAS, scientists have found these troublesome pollutants all over the globe, in air, soil, animals, and people. With their strong chemical bonds, PFAS can build up in the environment and our bodies over time, harming the planet and our health. Studies have shown exposure to PFAS may lead to increased cancer risk, developmental delays in children, and interference with the body’s natural hormones and immune response.
Unfortunately, once PFAS enter the environment, there’s no easy way to eliminate them. Although there is still much we don’t know about managing PFAS pollution, one thing is certain: The best solution is prevention at the source, by keeping PFAS out of products and the environment to begin with. The good news is California is taking important steps to limit the use of toxic PFAS chemicals in many everyday products where safer alternatives are available. This will go a long way to reducing the flow of PFAS into our homes and environment.
More Work Needed to Protect Coloradans from PFAS
Colorado has taken important steps to limit the use of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in many household products. However, we still have more work to do to safeguard our health, our families, and the environment from these harmful chemicals.
PFAS are manmade, "forever" chemicals widely used in manufacturing and industry. Due to their strong chemical bonds, PFAS can build up in the environment and our bodies over time, harming the planet and our health. Once PFAS enter the environment, there's no easy way to eliminate them. The best solution is at the source, by keeping PFAS out of products and the environment from the start.
In 2022, Colorado passed a law prohibiting the sale or distribution of certain products containing intentionally added PFAS. These products include carpets or rugs, fabric treatment, food packaging, children’s products, oil and gas products along with phasing out PFAS from textile furnishings and upholstered furniture by 2027. In addition, new legislation passed in 2024 will phase out PFAS from cookware, cleaning products, outdoor apparel, and personal care products in 2026. Over time, these regulations will help to reduce Coloradoans' exposure to PFAS from everyday items like personal care products, clothing, carpets, and furniture.
In July 2020, to protect communities from contamination in surface water and groundwater The Water Quality Control Commission adopted Policy 20-1. This policy describes how the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will regulate PFAS in Colorado lakes, streams, and other waters.
Despite this progress, PFAS are still found in countless products manufactured or sold in the state. Moreover, since manufacturers generally aren't required to disclose which products contain PFAS, consumers may be exposed to these chemicals without their knowledge. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, developmental delays in children, and interference with the body's natural hormones and immune response.
That's why we support limiting the use of PFAS where safer alternatives are available. Together with our partners across the state, we'll continue to push for practical solutions to reduce the amount of PFAS entering our homes and environment.
Choosing PFAS-Free Products
Most Coloradoans have heard little about the large group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). But even if you haven't heard of PFAS, there's a good chance these harmful chemicals are lurking in your home.
PFAS are commonly used in the manufacturing of water-, grease-, and stain-resistant products. This means everything from your nonstick pans to your couch, raincoat, floor wax, and dental floss could contain PFAS. The strong chemical bonds in these "forever chemicals" allow them to accumulate in our bodies and the environment over time, harming our health and the planet.
While Colorado has taken important steps to limit the use of PFAS in many everyday products, these chemicals are still found in countless items manufactured or sold in the state. To help reduce your exposure to PFAS, follow these tips when at the store:
Cookware: Opt for ceramic, glass, stainless steel, or cast-iron cookware instead of nonstick. Be cautious of cookware advertised as PFOA- or PFOS-free, as it may still contain other toxic PFAS chemicals.
Cosmetics and personal care products: Check labels and avoid products with fluoro-, perfluoro-, or PTFE in the ingredient list.
Clothing: Be wary of clothing that is labeled as stain-resistant or waterproof. When buying outdoor clothing and rain gear, do your research to find products made without PFAS.
Furniture, carpets, and bedding: Choose products made without water- and stain-repellents. If uncertain, visit the manufacturer's website or contact them to confirm if the item is PFAS-free.
Household cleaners: Opt for eco-certified cleaners such as Green Seal or U.S. EPA's Safer Choice, which identify products containing fewer or no toxic ingredients. Or make your own less toxic cleaners using simple kitchen ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
Finally, let your dollars do the talking by supporting companies that have taken steps to remove PFAS from their products. By choosing PFAS-free alternatives, you can better protect your health and help keep PFAS pollutants from entering the environment. Visit PFAS Central to find a list of PFAS-free products.