Learn about PFAS

Branch Basics Review, What the Brand Discloses About PFAS and What Remains Unverified

Branch Basics is a concentrate-based, "non-toxic" cleaning brand that markets itself as free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, and PFAS, the family of…

Grove Collaborative Review, What the PFAS Risk Really Looks Like

Grove Collaborative markets itself as a curated, sustainability-first online retailer for cleaning supplies, personal care, and household goods, and many…

Is Clean at Sephora Actually Clean? What Shoppers Need to Know About PFAS

Sephora's "Clean at Sephora" and "Clean + Planet Positive" seals tell shoppers a product avoids a list of roughly 50 flagged ingredients, but the program is…

Public Goods Review, What a PFAS-Focused Shopper Needs to Know

Public Goods is a membership-based retailer that sells its own house-brand version of everyday items, including cookware, cosmetics, water bottles, cleaning…

Thrive Market Review, Non Toxic Shopping Edition

Thrive Market is a membership based online grocery and home goods retailer that markets itself as a curated alternative to big box stores, promising to…

What Is DWR Coating and Is It PFAS?

DWR stands for durable water repellent, a thin finish applied to fabric, boots, carpets, and other textiles to make water bead up and roll off instead of…

Is Polyester Toxic to Wear

Polyester itself is not classified as an acutely toxic fiber, but the honest answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

PFAS Free School Lunch Containers and Lunch Boxes, What Parents Should Know

Many popular insulated lunch bags, silicone snack bags, and "grease-resistant" bento box liners have tested positive for PFAS, the man-made "forever…

Is Enameled Cast Iron Safe

Enameled cast iron cookware, the kind made by brands like Le Creuset, Staub, and Lodge, is generally considered a lower-concern choice for PFAS exposure…

Safest School Backpacks, PFAS Grades Compared

Parents shopping for a new school backpack are increasingly asking whether the water-resistant or stain-guard coating on that bag contains PFAS, the "forever…

Is anodized aluminum safe

Anodized aluminum cookware and drinkware are generally considered a lower-concern choice for everyday use because the anodizing process seals the metal's…

PFAS Free Halloween Costumes for Kids, What to Check

Halloween costumes are worn for a few hours a year, but many are made from printed synthetic fabric, vinyl trims, and "easy care" or water-resistant coatings…

Is Cast Iron Non Toxic? What the Research Actually Shows

Cast iron cookware is generally considered a lower-concern choice compared with non-stick pans that rely on PFAS-based coatings, based on available materials…

Is Silicone Safe for Cooking?

Silicone bakeware, spatulas, baking mats, and pot handles are everywhere in modern kitchens, and the short answer is that food-grade silicone is generally…

Does Nikwax Contain PFAS?

Nikwax says it has never used PFAS in any of its products. Most sprays still grade 65 because they are a coating; its leather conditioner, with no coating, grades 100.

Is USA Pan's Americoat Coating PFAS-Free?

USA Pan says its Americoat coating is silicone-based and PTFE, PFOA, PFOS, PFAS and BPA free. Unverified, its bakeware grades 70 out of 100 in our data.

Is HexClad's TerraBond Coating Actually PFAS-Free?

HexClad says its TerraBond coating is PTFE-free and PFAS-free. Unverified, it grades 70. HexClad also settled a $2.5 million class action covering purchases from Feb 2022 to Mar 2024.

Does Made In Cookware Contain PFAS?

Made In discloses PTFE, FEP and PFA in its Non Stick and ProCoat pans, which grade 5. Its Stainless Clad line grades 100 and CeramicLad grades 70 on a separate PFAS-free statement.

Which T-fal Pans Contain PTFE?

T-fal lists its PTFE ranges under Minnesota's disclosure law. Those pans grade 5. Its ceramic lines aren't on that list but have no PFAS statement either, and grade 15.

Does All-Clad Nonstick Cookware Contain PFAS?

All-Clad states directly that its nonstick coating contains PTFE. Its nonstick pans grade 5 out of 100 in our data, while its stainless steel line, with no coating, grades 75.

PFAS-Free Cleaning Products, What the Label Doesn't Tell You

PFAS, the "forever chemicals" linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns in various studies, show up in more household cleaning products than…

What Shampoo Has PFAS?

Some shampoos, particularly conditioning and "anti-frizz" or long-lasting shine formulas, can contain PFAS-related ingredients such as PTFE, perfluorooctane,…

Is Stainless Steel Non Toxic

Stainless steel is generally considered one of the lower-concern materials for cookware, water bottles, and food storage because it does not rely on plastic…

Is Ceramic Coating Safe

Ceramic coating shows up in two very different consumer products, nonstick cookware and bakeware marketed as a "PTFE-free" or "ceramic" alternative to…

Do Non Toxic Certifications Actually Mean Anything

Short answer, sometimes. "Non-toxic," "green," and "eco-safe" labels on cookware, water filters, period products, and clothing are almost entirely…

What Does NSF Certified Mean for a Water Filter, and Why It Matters for PFAS

NSF certification is a third-party testing process that confirms a water filter meets specific published standards for contaminant reduction, material…

Greenguard Gold vs Oeko-Tex, What Each Certification Really Tells You About PFAS

Greenguard Gold and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 are two of the most-cited third-party certifications on furniture, carpets, mattresses, and clothing labels, and…

What Does OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Mean

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a third-party textile certification that tests finished fabric and textile products for a defined list of harmful substances,…

EWG Verified vs MADE SAFE, What Each Label Actually Means for PFAS

EWG Verified and MADE SAFE are two of the most recognized third-party certifications on personal care, cleaning, and household products, but they screen for…

What Does MADE SAFE Certified Mean

MADE SAFE certification is a third-party seal from the nonprofit Made Safe (Nontoxic Certified) that reviews a product's ingredients against a "banned list"…

Is EWG Verified Legit? A Straight Answer for PFAS-Conscious Shoppers

Yes, EWG Verified is a legitimate, independently run certification program from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, and it does exclude PFAS and…

PFAS in Makeup and Cosmetics, Brands to Watch

Independent testing has repeatedly found PFAS, the "forever chemicals" linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns, in waterproof mascara,…

Does Lululemon Contain PFAS?

Lululemon has faced legal claims and outside lab tests alleging PFAS in some activewear. We grade 21 Lululemon listings, most at 65 out of 100, with three DWR-finished items at 20.

PFAS Health Risks, What the Current Science Actually Says

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals used to make products resist water, grease, and stains.

Is GreenPan Actually PFAS-Free? What We Found

GreenPan says its Thermolon coating is free of PFAS, including PTFE and PFOA. We found no third-party certification, and its ceramic pans grade 70 out of 100 in our data. What that grade means.

Do All Parchment Paper Have PFAS?

Most parchment is silicone-coated paper, and silicone is not fluorinated. What the FDA said in 2024, why most brands still grade 25 in our data, and what to look for.

PFAS-Free Hair Products, What Health-Conscious Shoppers Need to Know

PFAS, the "forever chemicals" linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns in animal and population studies, have turned up in a range of personal…

List of Products With PFAS, Why a Static PDF Isn't Enough (and What to Check Instead)

Searches for a "list of products with PFAS pdf" spike every time a new study or lawsuit makes headlines, but most downloadable PDFs are outdated within…

Does Chick-fil-A Use PFAS?

Chick-fil-A, like most major fast-food chains, has not published independent lab data confirming its food packaging is free of PFAS ("forever chemicals"),…

PFAS Free Products Reddit, What Threads Get Right, What They Miss, and What to Buy Instead

Reddit threads about "PFAS free products" have exploded across r/ZeroWaste, r/BuyItForLife, and r/HealthyHomes, as people trade tips on avoiding forever…

PFAS in Stain-Resistant Tablecloths, Why the Stain Resistance Is the Problem

The short version is this, a tablecloth that laughs off red wine and marinara sauce is almost always doing that trick with a fluorochemical finish, and that…

PFAS in Synthetic Athletic Wear, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data, synthetic athletic wear from HOKA and Arc'teryx shows a wide split in PFAS-related concern, with simple short-sleeve…

PFAS in Cycling Rain Jackets, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Across every cycling rain jacket in our database, not one model earns a clean bill of health on PFAS concern.

PFAS in Lipstick, Why Long-Wear Formulas Grade Worse Than Classic Ones

Long-wear and "transfer-proof" lipsticks are more likely than classic cream or sheer formulas to rely on fluorinated film-formers for their signature grip,…

PFAS in Conditioner, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Every conditioner in our database that we reviewed for this guide currently carries the same model-based estimate, Excellent, with a safety score of 75 out…

PFAS in Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Every hiking shoe, trail runner, and waterproof hiking boot currently scored in our database, across Timberland, Garmont, and Merrell, lands in the same…

PFAS in Paper Napkins, and Why Bounty Sits at Both Ends

Paper napkins and paper towels are one of the trickiest PFAS categories to shop for because the same brand, and sometimes the same product line, can test…

PFAS in Pressure Cookers, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Pressure cookers sit at the intersection of two PFAS risk factors, nonstick coatings on inner pots and heat-sealed gaskets that sometimes rely on…

PFAS in Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data, Nanuk and Nikon dominate the top of our waterproof camera case ratings, with a dozen products landing in the…

PFAS in Throw Pillows, Why Outdoor Performance Fabric Grades Worst

Based on available materials and data, the lower-concern winner in this category is not a specific branded throw pillow at all.

PFAS in Cosmetic Color Products, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data, nail lacquers and color cosmetics from Sally Hansen and MAC currently grade highest in our database for lower…

PFAS in Fast Food Wrappers, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Fast food wrappers, deli paper, and the parchment or foil many households use to replicate that quick-service experience at home are graded here using a…

PFAS in Sports Bras, and the One Feature That Costs 45 Points

PFAS in Shoe Waterproofing Sprays, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data, the Nikwax lineup consistently grades best among shoe waterproofing sprays we reviewed, each landing at a Good rating…

PFAS in Non-Stick Kitchen Gadgets, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Our model-based review of kitchen tools and cookware finds a wide spread in PFAS-related risk, from utensil sets that score an estimated 90 out of 100 down…

PFAS in Waterproof Winter Gloves, 66 of 75 Grade the Same

Our screening of 75 waterproof winter glove listings found that 66 of them cluster at the same mid-tier PFAS concern level, based on available materials and…

PFAS in Jewelry Cases and Jewelry Organizers, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and public disclosure data, every jewelry case and jewelry organizer we have reviewed to date from Helzberg Diamonds, along with…

PFAS in Portable Water Bottles, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data, stainless steel bottles from Klean Kanteen currently carry the strongest overall grades in our database, with several…

PFAS in Paper Straws, Why the Coated Ones Grade Worst

Paper straws are marketed as the eco-friendly fix for plastic waste, but a growing body of independent lab testing tells a messier story.

PFAS in Stainless Steel Cookware, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Stainless steel cookware is one of the better-scoring categories we track for PFAS-related concern, and the clear standout in our database is the All-Clad…

PFAS in Concealer, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and public disclosure data, most mainstream concealers reviewed for this guide land in the "Excellent" tier for PFAS concern,…

PFAS in Waterproof Mascara, and the One in Forty-Seven That Is Not

Waterproof mascara is one of the most PFAS-prone categories in the entire beauty aisle, because the same fluorochemical properties that repel water and sweat…

PFAS in Menstrual Cups, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data, every menstrual cup and disc currently in our database grades out as "Good" with a model-based estimate of 70 out of…

PFAS in Waterproof Hiking Socks, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and public disclosure data, the clearest pattern in our database is that wool-blend hiking socks from Smartwool, Darn Tough,…

PFAS in Wetsuits, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data, Patagonia's Yulex-based wetsuits currently grade highest among the products in our database, each landing an Excellent…

PFAS in Silicone Baking Molds, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data, every silicone baking mold currently in our database, all eight Fat Daddio's items and all four KitchenAid-branded…

PFAS in Pet Food Bags, Where Nobody Will Tell You What the Liner Is

Pet food packaging is one of the least transparent corners of the entire PFAS conversation.

PFAS in Countertop Filters, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and data in our database, two countertop filters currently top the field, the LARQ LARQ PureVis Pitcher and the ZeroWater…

PFAS in Waterproof Camera and Gear Bags, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and public disclosure data, Manfrotto's hard-case line and Kata's Ergo-Tech belt bag currently grade highest among waterproof…

PFAS in Water Filters, Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Based on available materials and public disclosure data, water filter pitchers and filtered bottles from brands like Soma, Santevia, LifeStraw, and Clearly…

Is Permethrin Safe?

Permethrin is the only insect repellent used to factory-treat clothing, and the EPA says its assessments found treated clothing unlikely to pose a significant hazard to the people wearing it. How it works on clothing, why it is washed separately, and why exposed skin still needs a repellent.

Are Green Potatoes Poisonous?

The green in potatoes is harmless chlorophyll, but the same light exposure raises solanine, a bitter glycoalkaloid that can cause vomiting and diarrhea and, in large amounts, worse. What university extension services say to cut away or throw out, why cooking does not help, and what a European risk assessment found.

Is Cassava Poisonous?

Cassava root contains cyanogenic glycosides that can cause fatal cyanide poisoning if it is not properly soaked, dried or cooked, and bitter varieties carry far more than sweet ones. How CDC, WHO and Codex describe safe processing, and the paralytic disease konzo.

Do Apple Seeds Have Cyanide?

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that can release hydrogen cyanide when seeds are crushed or chewed. What studies measure in apple seeds, why amygdalin sold as vitamin B17 has poisoned people, and what the FDA has told a seller marketing it against cancer.

What Is Mannitol?

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in mints, gum and candy and as a prescription drug that reduces pressure in the brain and eyes. The FDA food limits, the required laxative warning at 20 grams a day, and why it can upset the stomach.