What you can do about PFAS

When you shop

• Avoid products with PFAS. PFAS are often in products labeled waterproof, grease-proof, stain-proof, or non-stick. 
• Choose products that clearly state that they are “fluorine-free” or “PFC or PFAS-free.” 
• Seek out brands and stores that have committed to remove PFAS. 
• Buy from local stores, instead of online, when possible – then, what you buy will have to comply with PFAS bans in Washington State.   
• Read through the EPA’s guide for consumers interested in buying environmentally-friendly products. 
• Look for products with the “Safer Choice” label – all Safer Choice products are PFAS-free. 
• Learn more about how to avoid PFAS and other toxic chemicals by visiting the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Toxic chemicals in your home webpage.  
• If you fish, check the Department of Health’s Fish Consumption Advisories website. This will tell you if the fish in areas you like to go contain PFAS.   

At home

• Vacuum often to reduce dust from items sprayed with PFAS fabric protectors.  
• Don’t reheat food in plastic containers – instead, use containers like microwave-safe glass.  
• Use cast iron or stainless-steel pans instead of nonstick. 
• If you have to use a nonstick pan, use it on lower temperatures and try to avoid scratching it.  

Use your voice

• People have contacted retailers, manufacturers, and elected officials to ask for PFAS-free products. 
• In response to pressure from the public and public health groups, Washington State is banning PFAS in certain products. Soon, products like these will no longer have PFAS in Washington: 
  
  • Cosmetics 
  • Carpets 
  • Stain-resistant sprays 
  • Paper-based takeout food packaging 
  • Most clothing apparel 
  • Cleaning products 
  • Automotive washes 

Testing your drinking water for PFAS

If you are on a private drinking water source, it’s important to test your water to ensure it’s not contaminated. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has resources for drinking water concerns on its PFAS webpage.  

If you find your drinking water contains PFAS, DOH has a guide for Home Water Treatment for PFAS that’s also available in these languages: 

• Spanish
• Russian
• Tagalog
• Ukrainian
• Vietnamese

DOH also has a document with point-of-use water filter options. These brands are third-party certified to reduce PFAS in home drinking water. This document is available in these languages: 

• Spanish
• Marshallese
• Russian
• Ukrainian
• Vietnamese