When we think about creating a healthier home, we often focus on the food we eat, the water we drink, and the products we use every day. But there is another category of chemicals that has received increasing attention: PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals valued for their ability to resist water, grease, oil, stains, and heat. Because of these properties, certain PFAS have been used in products ranging from nonstick cookware and food packaging to water-resistant fabrics, stain-resistant materials, cosmetics, and some household products. They are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because many PFAS persist in the environment and can remain in the body for extended periods.
Scientists continue to study the health effects of different PFAS, while public health agencies recommend taking practical steps to reduce unnecessary exposure. The good news? You don’t have to change everything in your home overnight.
Start With the Kitchen
One of the easiest places to make thoughtful changes is where you prepare your family’s food. Some nonstick cookware uses PFAS-based coatings, including PTFE. The FDA notes that authorized nonstick cookware coatings are highly polymerized and have negligible amounts of PFAS capable of migrating to food under the intended conditions of use.
For families who prefer to avoid PFAS-containing coatings altogether, choosing uncoated stainless-steel cookware is one option. Carico’s Ultra Tech II™ 316Ti Surgical Stainless-Steel Cookware is designed without a nonstick coating. Its durable stainless-steel construction provides a long-lasting cooking surface while its multi-layer design promotes even heat distribution. That means families can prepare everyday meals without relying on a traditional chemical nonstick coating.
Pay Attention to Your Drinking Water
For some households, drinking water may be an important source of PFAS exposure. EPA recommends that people concerned about PFAS in their water first learn about the quality of their local water supply and, when appropriate, consider a home water treatment system that is certified to reduce PFAS.
This is an important distinction: not every water filter removes PFAS. When shopping for a filtration system, consumers should look for appropriate third-party certification, such as NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 for PFAS reduction, depending on the type of system. Filters must also be maintained and replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Carico’s water purification solutions are designed to reduce a broad range of contaminants, making water quality an important part of a healthier-home conversation.
Think Beyond the Obvious
PFAS-conscious living isn’t only about cookware and water. Families can also look for products labeled PFAS-free when shopping for stain-resistant or water-resistant textiles and certain personal-care products, and they can reduce unnecessary reliance on grease-resistant food packaging when practical.
EPA and NIEHS identify food, drinking water, household products, and some personal-care products as potential sources of exposure. Reusable food-storage solutions can also help families rely less on disposable packaging. Carico’s Ultra-Vac® Food Storage System is designed to preserve freshness and reduce food waste through reusable vacuum storage.
A Healthier Home Starts With Small Choices
Reducing PFAS exposure isn’t about creating fear around every product in your home. It’s about becoming a more informed consumer and making practical choices where you have control. Choose your cookware thoughtfully. Understand your water. Read labels. Look for PFAS-free options when appropriate. And focus on the everyday products that come into contact with your food, water, and family most often.
At Carico, we believe wellness starts at home, and sometimes creating a healthier home begins with simply knowing what’s in the products we use every day. Contact your local Carico Sales Representative, call us at 1-800-830-1020, or email us at: pr********@****co.com to learn more about how Carico’s wellness solutions can help you create a healthier home for you and your family.