This Christmas, Think PFAS-Free

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By Cally Edgren
Director, Sustainability – Assent

The perfect Christmas gift will surprise, delight, and bring joy to the person who receives it, and — perhaps equally as important – not cause any long-term impacts to their health.

Shoppers may be looking to avoid PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, when hunting for green gifts for family members, friends, or coworkers. Sometimes referred to as the next asbestos, these chemicals don’t easily degrade in the environment and are known to cause a range of health problems. They are often used in manufacturing and are commonly found in anything nonstick or waterproof.

At Assent, I work with businesses to help them identify PFAS in their global supply chains and reduce their impact on consumers and the environment. Prior to that, I worked at manufacturing companies to make sure our products met regulatory standards and didn’t contain harmful chemicals. These experiences have given me a lot of insight into the products I buy for my own friends and family – not to mention myself.

Here are some of my gift ideas and tips on avoiding PFAS, so you can shop safely for your loved ones this holiday season:

PFAS-free stocking stuffers.
Some toiletries make great stocking stuffers, but you wouldn’t believe how many contain PFAS. This year, I’m buying products like PFAS-free dental floss and regular mascara – a great switch for anyone attached to waterproof mascara, which is much more likely to contain PFAS — to put in stockings. There are even some brands making PFAS-free toilet paper, though we can’t guarantee that would be a hit Christmas gift.

For the chef.
Nonstick cooking pans are usually made with PFAS, and any scratching or flaking means those substances are seeping into your food. An enamelled cast iron pan is a great alternative for the chef in your life. But make sure the pan you pick isn’t labelled just “PFOA-free” — this only addresses one type of PFAS. Look for a reference to the whole family: “PFAS-free.”

For the health nut.
Many sports water bottles are made of plastic, which can leach into your drinking water. But a beautiful glass water bottle can get around this problem. It also allows anyone with a reverse osmosis system at home, which can filter out PFAS, to bring their own water with them when leaving the house. My own fridge is filled with up to a dozen glass water bottles at a time!

For the new homeowner.
Many types of bedding, such as sheets, blankets, and mattress pads, are known to contain PFAS. Bedding that is made from natural materials, such as cotton, bamboo, or linen, is less likely to contain forever chemicals.

For the outdoor enthusiast.
A number of outerwear brands that make products such as raincoats have traditionally used PFAS for waterproofing. But increasingly, these companies are making commitments to stop using these chemicals. Look for outdoor clothing made from natural materials like wool or cotton to further reduce the chance of forever chemicals being used. Many garments are now labelled as “PFAS-free” or “PFC-free.”

For the remote worker.
Air purification systems can remove harmful pollutants from the air in the home office, but they can also contain PFAS. Look for air purifiers that use HEPA filters or other non-PFAS technologies to ensure the filter gets the whole job done.

There are plenty of ways to buy green beyond PFAS. But avoiding forever chemicals is one choice consumers can make to protect human health and the environment – and there are plenty of great Christmas gifts to be found along the way.

Assent helps global manufacturers identify PFAS in their supply chain. Learn more about Assent today.

This story was provided by Assent for commercial purposes.