PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals defined by their extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds — the strongest in organic chemistry. This is why they do not break down: in the environment, or in the human body. They are found everywhere on earth including the blood of polar bears and the breast milk of women who have never knowingly encountered them.
Where it's found
Non-stick cookware (PTFE/Teflon); greaseproof and baking parchment paper; waterproof clothing (Gore-Tex, DWR coatings); stain-resistant carpets and upholstery; food packaging (fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags); firefighting foam (AFFF — source of drinking water contamination near military bases); dental floss coatings; some cosmetics.
Routes of exposure
Ingestion via food contact migration (accelerated by heat); dermal absorption from treated clothing (enhanced by sweat); inhalation of fumes from overheated non-stick cookware; ingestion via contaminated drinking water.
Health concerns
Accumulate in liver, kidneys, thyroid, blood, and breast milk. Linked to thyroid hormone disruption, immune suppression (including reduced vaccine response in children), elevated cholesterol, certain cancers (kidney, testicular), and developmental harm. No biological mechanism to excrete them — levels only decrease through dilution as the body grows, and not all compounds even reduce this way.
Evidence
IARC classified PFOA as Group 1 carcinogen (2023). PFOS classified Group 2B. US EPA issued strict drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS in 2024 (4 parts per trillion). EU's universal PFAS restriction under REACH ongoing. UK DWI began mandatory PFAS monitoring only 2021. EWG testing found PFAS in UK water supplies serving millions.
Who's most at risk
Infants (breast milk transfer, developmental window), pregnant women (placental transfer), people with thyroid or immune conditions, communities near military airbases or industrial sites.
Regulatory status
RegulationEU: phasing out many PFAS via REACH universal restriction proposal. PFOA: banned globally under Stockholm Convention. PFOS: similarly restricted. UK: phasing down in line with pre-Brexit EU commitments but not automatically adopting new EU measures. US: EPA 2024 set 4ppt drinking water limits for PFOA/PFOS.
How to reduce your exposure
Replace non-stick cookware with cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. Use uncoated baking trays with parchment-free cooking methods. Install a reverse osmosis water filter — the only domestic technology that reliably removes PFAS. Choose untreated or PFAS-free outdoor clothing (increasing availability). Avoid microwave popcorn bags.
The nutrition connection
The PFAS–thyroid connection is central to Nutriofia content. Thyroid function governs metabolic rate, energy, mood, and weight. Many people struggling with unexplained metabolic issues may have PFAS as a contributing factor. Selenium (a nutritional cofactor for thyroid hormone conversion) and iodine sufficiency are the nutritional supports most directly relevant.