Hey there Go For Zero fam!

Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's been making waves in the environmental health world: PFAS. These sneaky "forever chemicals" might be lurking in your home right now, and it's time to shine a light on where they're hiding, what they can do to your health, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Ready to become a PFAS-busting pro? Let's go!

What Are PFAS and Why Should We Care?

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of over 4,700 human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s. They're super effective at repelling water, grease, and stains, which is why they've been used in so many products. But here's the catch – they're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the environment or our bodies.

Why is this a problem? Studies have linked PFAS exposure to some pretty serious health issues:

• Kidney and testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Liver damage
• Reduced fertility
• Developmental issues in children
• Weakened immune system

Yikes! But knowledge is power, and at Go For Zero, we're here to help you make informed choices for a healthier home and planet.

The top 20 products with PFAS

You might be thinking, "Surely I don't have PFAS in my home!" Well, prepare to be surprised. These sneaky chemicals are more common than you'd think. Recent studies have found PFAS in a wide range of everyday products we all use like:

1. Non-stick cookware
2. Food packaging (including some takeaway containers and pizza boxes)
3. Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
4. Water-resistant clothing and shoes
5. Cosmetics and personal care products
6. Cleaning products
7. Electronics
8. Dental floss
9. Fire-fighting foams (particularly relevant near airports and defence bases)
10. Outdoor gear (tents, sleeping bags)
11. Car wax and polish
12. Ski wax
13. Textiles (including some school uniforms)
14. Paints and varnishes
15. Sunscreen
16. Moisturisers and lotions
17. Shampoo and conditioner
18. Mascara and eye makeup
19. Nail polish
20. Insect repellents 

What’s even more shocking, a 2023 study found that PFAS can leach from some plastic food containers into our meals. We never have and never will stock (recycled) plastic containers or drink bottles at Go For Zero for many different reasons, but this is one!

The "PFAS Flu" Phenomenon 

With the rise of PFAS exposure in everyday products, a new phenomenon has started to occur. Ever heard of "PFAS flu" or "Teflon flu"? It's not your average cold. This flu-like illness, officially known as polymer fume fever, has been linked to fumes released when some non-stick pans are overheated.

While confirmed cases are rare, there have been over 3,600 suspected cases reported to U.S. poison centres in the last two decades. Last year alone saw 267 reported cases – one of the highest totals since 2000. It's a reminder to be careful with our cookware choices and how we use them. We love Solidtecknics. Learn more here.

PFAS Health Effects

The health effects of PFAS exposure are still being studied, but here's what we know so far:

• PFAS can accumulate in the body over time
• They've been linked to increased cholesterol levels
• Some studies suggest a connection to certain types of cancer
• PFAS may interfere with hormone function
• There's concern about potential impacts on foetal development and child growth

While more research is needed, health authorities worldwide are taking the PFAS threat seriously. In Australia, the government has been working since 2002 to reduce the use of certain PFAS.

The Environmental Impact of PFAS

It’s not just our health at risk - the PFAS environmental impact causes serious problems for our ecosystems too:

• PFAS in water and soil persist for decades, contaminating our environment
• They bioaccumulate in wildlife, affecting entire ecosystems
• PFAS have been found in remote areas, showing their ability to travel long distances
• They can contaminate food chains, potentially affecting human food supplies  

How to Reduce Your PFAS Exposure

Now for the good news: there are plenty of ways to reduce your PFAS exposure. Here are some simple swaps and tips we recommend:

1. Ditch the non-stick: Opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware instead. These SolidTeknics iron pans are a fantastic choice! Check out our recent blog post here about making a better cooking choice for your kitchen.
2. Filter your water: Use a high-quality water filter certified to remove PFAS. 
3. Say no to stain-resistant: Choose natural fabrics for clothing, furniture, and carpets.
4. Check your intimate care products: Look for PFAS-free menstrual care products. We've got an amazing range of PFAS-free products that ensure ‘that time of the month’ is safe. 
5. Avoid greasy food packaging: Bring your reusable containers. Our plastic-free food storage options are perfect for leftovers or takeaway lunches. 
6. Ask companies if their outdoor products are PFAS-free. When we all start asking questions, we can have a big impact together. We got you covered with 100% plastic free drink bottles and all-natural sunscreen.
7. Swap your dental floss: Believe it or not, some dental floss contains PFAS!! We wrote a recent blog post about it here. At Go For Zero HQ we are still on the search for a dental floss that meets our high standards - stay tuned for updates on our search eco-champions! 
8. Rethink your rain gear: Many waterproof jackets and boots contain PFAS. Look for alternatives made with natural waxes or PFC-free treatments.
9. Be mindful of your beauty routine: Many cosmetics, especially long-wearing and waterproof varieties, can contain PFAS. Our natural makeup options will have you looking great without the forever chemicals. Here are some other PFAS free altarnatives we have: razors and shaving cream, bandaids, toohtpaste, natural shampoo and conditioner, sunscreen & bug balm.

How to Spot PFAS on Product Labels

Becoming a label detective is key to avoiding PFAS. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Ingredients with "fluoro" in the name (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene)
• Terms like "non-stick," "water-resistant," or "stain-resistant"
• The Teflon brand name
• Ingredients listed as PTFE or PFOA

With these tips, you’ll be a pro at spotting PFAS in no time!

Manufacturers aren't required to list PFAS on their labels, so when in doubt, reach out to the company or choose certified PFAS-free products [12].

PFAS Regulation Australia: What's Happening in Australia and Around the World

It won't happen overnight, but authorities are taking steps to address the PFAS problem. While progress may seem slow, it's important to remember that tackling such a widespread issue requires careful consideration and coordination. Here's what Australia is currently doing to address the PFAS problem:

• The government has been working to reduce PFAS use since 2002
• A PFAS National Environmental Management Plan has been developed
• There are ongoing efforts to clean up PFAS-contaminated sites
• Globally, countries are taking action:
• The European Union is moving to ban all non-essential uses of PFAS
• The United States EPA has proposed designating certain PFAS as hazardous substances

The Go For Zero Difference

At Go For Zero, we're committed to helping you create a safer, healthier home. We work tirelessly to ensure every single product we stock is both good for you and the planet. Our team researches like crazy and carefully vets all our products to ensure they're free from nasty chemicals like PFAS. It's a lot of work, but we are so passionate about health. 

When you shop with us, you can be assured that you're making the best choice possible for your health, your home, and the planet. From PFAS-free personal care products to only offering plastic-free products, we've got you covered with low-tox and zero-waste alternatives. 

Spread the Word! 

Remember, every small change adds up to a big impact. By choosing PFAS-free products, you're not only protecting your family but also sending a powerful message to manufacturers that it's time to ditch these harmful chemicals for good.

Knowledge is power, so share this information with your friends and family. The more people who know about PFAS, the more pressure we can put on companies and governments to take action.

Have questions about PFAS or need help finding safer alternatives? We're always here to help! Never hesitate to reach out at askusanything@goforzero.com.au.

Here's to healthier homes and a cleaner planet!

Love, Ellie and the Go For Zero team x