Toxic Free Tuesday series

Published August 18th 2026

GRID Holistic Living | Toxic Free Living Series

When we think about creating a healthier home environment, many people immediately think about plastics, cleaning products, or artificial ingredients. However, there is another category of chemicals that deserves our attention: PFAS; per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS are a family of thousands of human-made chemicals designed to resist water, oil, stains, and heat, emphasis on human-made. These unique properties made them useful in many everyday products, including cookware, food packaging, clothing, and household materials. At GRID Holistic Living, we believe awareness creates empowerment. The goal is not fear. The goal is learning how to make more informed choices that support your physical health, emotional well-being, and intentional lifestyle.

What Exactly Are PFAS?

Have you every heard of PFAS (pronounced “PEE-fas”)? This post will break down what it is, and are they hiding. PFAS are chemicals that contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds make them extremely durable, which is why manufacturers have used them for decades in products that need to repel water, oil, and heat. The challenge is that many PFAS compounds do not easily break down in the environment. They can remain in soil, water, and living organisms for long periods of time, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

While researchers continue studying the full impact of different PFAS compounds, some PFAS chemicals have been associated with concerns involving immune response, cholesterol levels, thyroid function, and other health outcomes.

Why Are They Called “Forever Chemicals”?

The term “forever chemicals” does not mean that every PFAS compound literally lasts forever. It refers to their ability to persist because they are very resistant to natural breakdown processes. Think about it this way: A banana peel returns to nature relatively quickly. Some PFAS compounds can remain in the environment for years or decades. This persistence means exposure can happen through multiple pathways, including water, food, household products, and materials around us.

Where Can PFAS Hide in Your Kitchen?

In the 21st century, PFAS can be found in every household across the globe that include furniture, carpets, and other treated materials. According to the research there are over 10,000 different PFAS chemicals used in all sorts of products. Almost any product that is non-stick, stain-resistant, or water-repellant contains PFAS. In the home, major sources of PFAS include  furniture, carpets, and other treated materials. Household cleaning products like glass cleaners, fabric cleaners and treatments, floor waxes and polishes, and dishwasher rinse aids are also culprits. Products that have high gloss or longer-lasting features also typically contain PFAS, especially cosmetics, makeup, and personal products, as well as shave gel, dental floss, and bandages.

1. Cookware

Does this mean you need to throw away every product? It depends. GRID Holistic Living is about intentional transitions, not panic.

2. Price Paid for Convenience

In the era of microwave moments, let's consider the convenient takeout container or fast-food wrapper that may have been designed to resist grease and moisture. Historically, PFAS were used in some paper and cardboard food packaging because they prevented oils from soaking through. The FDA has reported that PFAS-containing grease-proofing agents used for food packaging have gone through market phase-outs in the United States. However, this conversation reminds us of an important principle: The materials that touch our food matter.

3. Stain Resistant Materials

Now that we have covered packaging, what about stain-resistant materials? When we stated everywhere, we were not kidding. PFAS have been used in stain-resistant treatments because they repel liquids and oils. Some examples include:

• Upholstery treatments

• Carpets

• Furniture protectors

• Some textiles

The same chemical properties that keep stains away can also contribute to environmental persistence.

4. Water-Resistant Products

PFAS can also be found in products designed to repel water, such as:

• Waterproof clothing

• Outdoor gear

• Certain personal care products

Self Reflection

GRID Holistic Living encourages you to ask the following questions: (1)Is this product supporting my health goals, or simply making life easier for the moment?” and (2) “Does this say non-toxic?” If so, then asks the following questions:

• What materials are used?

• What chemicals are involved?

• Is the company transparent?

• Is there independent testing?

• Is this something I truly need?

Informed consumers create healthier homes.

Practical Ways to Reduce Unnecessary PFAS Exposure

You do not need to completely replace your kitchen overnight. Start with realistic steps. Consider the following:

Kitchen Reset Ideas:

✔ Replace damaged nonstick cookware first
✔ Choose glass, stainless steel, or cast iron when possible
✔ Reduce frequent use of heavily packaged convenience foods
✔ Store leftovers in glass containers
✔ Wash hands before preparing food
✔ Dust and clean regularly because household dust can contain environmental contaminants
✔ Research companies that prioritize ingredient and material transparency

GRID Holistic Living Takeaway

A healthier lifestyle is built through awareness, not perfection. You do not need to throw away your entire kitchen overnight. You can begin with one intentional decision:

• One healthier cookware choice

• One reusable container

• One better-informed purchase

Whole health is created through consistent choices. Your kitchen is not just where food is prepared. It is where health begins.

References

Environmental Protection Agency. (2026). Our current understanding of the human health and environmental risks of PFAS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/pfas

Food and Drug Administration. (2026). Questions and answers on PFAS in food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/questions-and-answers-pfas-food

Food and Drug Administration. (2025). Market phase-out of grease-proofing substances containing PFAS. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/market-phase-out-grease-proofing-substances-containing-pfas

Everett, J. (2026). What to know about forever chemicals. PBS FRONTLINE. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/what-to-know-about-forever-chemicals-pfas/

Sunderland, E. M., Hu, X. C., Dassuncao, C., Tokranov, A. K., Wagner, C. C., & Allen, J. G. (2019). A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 29, 131–147. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1