PFAS in Consumer Products Factsheets
Many consumer products contain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), including food packaging, cosmetics, stain protection and waterproofing treatments, and cleaning products. Since PFAS do not breakdown, the compounds often called “forever chemicals” because they do not breakdown and instead build up over time in the environment, animals, and people; and can be harmful to health.
The purpose of this Project is to educate residents, local officials, institutions, and businesses in targeted areas of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont on common consumer products that contain PFAS, their impacts on public health and the environment, and commercially available safer alternatives.
“What are PFAS? And Why Should I Care?” Overview Factsheet
PFAS in Clothing and Other Textiles Factsheet
View PFAS in Foodware and Packaging Factsheet
Studies and Additional Resources
Studies
- CDC – National Biomonitoring Program (PFAS found in nearly all people tested)
- Vermont DEC Source of PFAS in Wastewater
Additional Resources
- CDC/ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) – Introduction to PFAS
- CDC/ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) – PFAS and Your Health
- CDC/ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) – Region 1 PFAS and Health
- U.S. EPA – Our Current Understanding of PFAS
- U.S. EPA – Drinking Water Health Advisories Fact Sheet for Communities
- FDA Update on PFAS in the General Food Supply
- Silent Spring Institute’s PFAS Exchange: PFAS Exposure and Actions to Protect Your Health
- MEDEP PFAS Resources
- MEDEP PFAS in Public Water Systems
- NHDES PFAS Response
- RI PFAS Exposure: PFAS Exposure in the Home Diagram
- VTDEC PFAS Response
Studies
Additional Resources