PFAS and Products

Per- and polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS) are a family of human-made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1950s in consumer products and are a public and environmental health concern. They are commonly used for their stain, water- and grease-resistant properties. High levels of PFAS have been found in the environment in part due to their use in consumer products. There is a risk of PFAS exposure and pollution whenever a product containing PFAS is made, used, or disposed of. Some PFAS cannot be quickly excreted by the body, resulting in elevated levels inside the body even after exposure is reduced or eliminated.

When a PFAS-containing product is used

Some consumer products could pose direct risks of exposure to product users.

• Personal care products such as PFAS-containing dental floss, sunscreen, cosmetics, and menstruation products are potential significant sources of direct exposure.
• Products like ski wax and waterproofing sprays could be a source of exposure through inhaling vapor and aerosols.
• PFAS-contaminated house dust becomes an issue as products containing PFAS wear down from use (e.g. carpet fibers). Household dust is higher concern for infants and young children due to their time spent on the floor and their tendency to put their hands and toys in their mouths.

When a PFAS containing product is made or disposed of

Other consumer products, like electronics, could pose risks during production or disposal of the product. These products may not be a significant risk of direct exposure, but manufacturing or disposal could result in environmental releases.

Reducing your exposure through products

Limiting use of consumer products containing PFAS can be challenging. For additional information on reducing exposure to PFAS, visit the MDH PFAS and Health page. Here are some ways you can reduce your exposure to PFAS through products:

• When you are purchasing new products, keep an eye out for characteristics in products that may contain PFAS. Over time, some coatings will degrade and will be removed with washing and use.
  • Stain-resistant coatings: typically used on clothing, carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.
  • Water-resistant fabrics: rain jackets, camping gear, and clothing.
  • Non-stick coatings: used on cookware.
• Check third-party certifier sites for products that may be made without PFAS.
  • Various third-party certifications and labels exist related to products made without PFAS. Some commonly used terms or labels to indicate this: PFAS-free, PFOA-free, PFOS-free, and fluorine-free. However, many certifications still allow for a minimum limit to be present. For example, advertising “PFOA free” may mean the product contains a trace amount of PFOA and could have any amount of other PFAS.
  • The EPA Sustainable Marketplace website provides a helpful resource to learn more about the recommendations for these certifications. Be sure to check each third-party certifier’s site to learn more about their requirements to meet PFAS related standards. To learn more and to find PFAS certifiers, visit the ITRC PFAS Uses and Products website, section 2.5.3.

For additional information on reducing exposure to PFAS, visit the MDH PFAS and Health page. 

MN laws concerning PFAS

Minnesota passed a number of laws in the past few years to reduce the use of PFAS in industry and consumer products. While it may not be possible to eliminate PFAS from all products, these laws will help reduce exposure and pollution. The goal is to protect public health and the environment - and this will also reduce cleanup expenses. 

Minnesota state agencies partner on raising awareness about PFAS. If you have specific questions about the laws and rulemaking, please contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) at pfasinfo.pca@state.mn.us.