Reducing Toxic Exposure: What Every Woman Should Know About PFAS

Forever chemicals should be of importance to everyone, as they are among the worst of the toxic chemicals found in every day consumer products. They are “perfluorochemicals” also known by various acronyms: PFAS, PFOA, PFOC, PFCs. They are used to give products non-stick, stain-resistant, water-resistant, and heat-resistant properties. They are found across the globe, in all environments tested, including in studies of human tissues (your brain), including breastmilk, and will take hundreds if not thousands of years to disappear from the soil and groundwater where they accumulate. These chemicals are persistent and toxic and should be banned.

Learning about these chemicals can feel overwhelming, but it’s not about fear—it’s about taking small steps to protect yourself and your family. We can’t control everything, but we can make conscious choices to reduce exposure and nourish our health. So how can we reduce our exposure and make better choices for our families?

Forever chemicals are found in many products we use daily—dental floss, shampoos, toilet paper, tampons, pads, and other personal care items. What’s particularly concerning is that these products come into contact with delicate areas of the body where absorption is higher, such as the mouth, near the eyes, and areas with mucous membranes. Awareness is key.

Many products are now labeled PFAS-free. The downside is that these products are often more expensive and may be out of reach for the average family. Where possible, I encourage choosing PFAS-free options to reduce exposure. However, as someone who worked as a dental assistant for over 20 years, I want to stress: don’t skip flossing. Maintaining your dental health is still very important.

Another major source of exposure is water. Installing a water filter that removes forever chemicals is one of the most effective steps you can take, since we drink water every day. Clean water is essential for your health, and filtering it helps reduce the load of these persistent chemicals in your body.

I also made changes in my own life: I stopped drinking flavoured sparkling waters when I learned they contain forever chemicals. Like Pamela Anderson, i’ve simplified my beauty routine, reducing makeup, nail polish, and hair dyes, which are additional sources of exposure. Women are more exposed to these chemicals than men, simply because of the products we use to care for ourselves. Our menstrual and intimate products may contain PFAS, so awareness is important.

At the end of the day, it’s impossible to avoid forever chemicals entirely—but small, mindful choices can make a difference. Until these substances are banned globally, do your best with what’s available, trust your intuition, and remember that every step you take matters—for you, your health, and future generations.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

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