The Best Simple Lifestyle Swaps to Reduce PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Simple Lifestyle Swaps to Reduce Everyday PFAS Exposure

I’m back with my Breaking Free from Forever Chemicals series. In Parts 1–3, we explored what PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are, how nutrients and herbs help escort them out, and how herbal allies strengthen detox pathways. Today, we shift focus to something equally powerful: reducing daily exposure.

Because here’s the truth — while detox strategies help, the easiest way to lighten your toxic load is to stop the inflow. The good news is, you don’t need complicated strategies. These small and simple lifestyle swaps are some are among the best ways to reduce your daily PFAS exposure -helping close off pathways of exposure and giving your body more breathing room to heal.

Why Lifestyle Changes Matter

PFAS are extremely resistant to breakdown, which is why they’re known as “forever chemicals.” They’ve been detected in tap water, food packaging, cookware, clothing, carpets, cosmetics, and even the blood of nearly every American tested. Small exposures accumulate, overwhelming the liver, kidneys, and immune system.

The good news is that by making intentional changes, you can dramatically reduce how much PFAS you bring into your body.

6 Lifestyle Swaps to Reduce PFAS Exposure

1. Clean Up Your Water

• Why it matters: Drinking water is one of the largest sources of PFAS exposure.
• What to do: Install a filter certified to remove PFAS. Reverse osmosis (RO) is the gold standard, but countertop systems like Berkey or even certain pitcher filters can help if certified under NSF/ANSI standards 53 or 58.

2. Rethink Your Cookware

• Why it matters: Nonstick pans made with PFAS leach chemicals when heated or scratched.
• What to do: Switch to stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, or glass. If you prefer nonstick, only buy products labeled PFAS-free.

3. Watch Food Packaging

• Why it matters: Grease-resistant wrappers and containers — such as those for fast food, pizza boxes, and microwave popcorn bags — often contain PFAS.
• What to do: Cut back on packaged or fast foods. Make stovetop popcorn, store leftovers in glass or stainless steel, and check packaging for PFAS-free certifications.

4. Choose Safer Clothing & Textiles

• Why it matters: PFAS are used to make fabrics water- or stain-resistant. These chemicals shed into dust, which you can inhale or ingest.
• What to do: Look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or bluesign® certifications when buying clothes, bedding, or furniture. Brands like Patagonia are beginning to use PFAS-free alternatives. Vacuum with a HEPA filter if you already own treated textiles.

5. Read Personal Care Labels

• Why it matters: PFAS can hide in cosmetics, sunscreen, and lotions under chemical names ending in “-fluoro” or “-perfluoro.”
• What to do: Simplify your skincare and makeup routine. Support clean beauty brands that commit to being PFAS-free.

6. Swap Out Household Products

• Why it matters: Stain-resistant sprays, floor waxes, and some cleaning products may contain PFAS.
• What to do: Replace them with natural options like vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, and essential oils.

Safety & Practical Limits

Not everyone can replace all cookware, clothing, or install whole-home filtration at once — and you don’t have to. Start with the swaps that fit your budget and lifestyle, and build from there. Even one change reduces exposure. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Call to Action

Detox isn’t just about supplements or diets — it’s about creating a lifestyle that supports your health. If you’d like help designing a PFAS-free home strategy tailored to your situation, or combining lifestyle changes with food and herbal support, reach out to me at cplange@cplbotanicals.com.

References

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PFAS Explained. Updated 2024. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health. 2022. Available at: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
3. Environmental Working Group (EWG). Guide to PFAS in Water and Products. 2024. Available at: https://www.ewg.org/pfaschemicals/
4. Consumer Reports. Best and Worst Water Filters for PFAS Removal. 2023. Available at: https://www.consumerreports.org/water-filters/best-water-filters-for-pfas-removal/
5. Silent Spring Institute. PFAS in Everyday Products: What You Need to Know. 2023. Available at: https://www.silentspring.org/pfas-products
6. The Guardian. PFAS in Food Packaging: Study Finds Chemicals in Fast Food Wrappers and Containers. Published 2021. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/pfas-food-packaging