Contaminants Health

What forever chemicals do to your body & how to lower PFAS

12:49 PM • December 05, 2025

Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are artificial substances used in everyday products such as clothing, cookware, food packaging, and carpets. They are now detected in places as varied as rivers, farmland, household dust, and even people’s blood, according to recent UK investigations. You cannot remove PFAS completely, but you can take practical steps to lower your exposure and reduce how much enters your home.

Recent reporting in the UK has brought this into focus. In a BBC News investigation, Panorama reporter Catrin Nye learned that her PFAS level was 9.8 nanograms per millilitre of blood. This was well above the 2ng/ml level that Dr Sabine Donnai, a preventive healthcare specialist, considers linked to health risks [1]. BBC Panorama has also shown how PFAS can appear in UK tap water, textiles, and non-stick pans [2].

Meanwhile, a Guardian investigation into the Jameson Road landfill in Fleetwood found PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) in nearby water. It was at levels 5 to 10 times above environmental quality standards, raising concerns that PFAS are leaking into the River Wyre [2].

This guide explains what PFAS are, what they may do to the body, where you are most likely to meet them, and the steps that can help you lower everyday exposure.

What forever chemicals are & why they build up in the body

PFAS is the name for a large family of synthetic chemicals that have been used since the mid-twentieth century. Their resistance to heat, grease, and water made them attractive for products such as waterproof jackets, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and non-stick cookware. As BBC Panorama highlighted, PFAS are now found in soil, rivers, and household dust in many parts of the UK.

Because these substances bind well to water and soil, they can travel long distances from the original source of pollution. The BBC News report on PFAS in blood explained that they build up through repeated low-level exposure. Each contact may be small, but over time, the total level in the body can rise. Some PFAS have relatively long half-lives in the body, which is one reason scientists are calling for better monitoring of how and where these chemicals are used.

This persistence is why they are called forever chemicals, and it is why the focus is on reducing ongoing exposure rather than trying to clear them completely.

How forever chemicals may affect your body and health

As Stephanie Metzger from the Royal Society of Chemistry told the BBC, PFAS “do not break down” and, once in the body, “they stick around and build up little by little until they start to interfere with our systems”.

Experts are watching them closely as research has linked some PFAS to:

Thyroid problems
Reduced fertility
Effects on the liver
Effects on the immune system

These studies do not prove that every level of PFAS causes harm, but they show why researchers and health professionals are paying close attention. Children may be more vulnerable because their bodies are still developing and because PFAS can pass from parent to baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In the Guardian’s reporting on old landfill sites, environmental scientist David Megson described PFAS results near Jameson Road in Fleetwood as “a cause for concern”, with PFOA concentrations five to ten times higher than environmental quality standards in nearby water.

Together, these findings show why many households now focus on reducing PFAS exposure wherever possible, rather than waiting for it to build up. Even low-level contamination can become a consistent exposure route, which is why people are now looking closely at what is in their tap water and what their current filter removes.

Where are forever chemicals found in your home and routine

PFAS are found in many everyday items because they have been widely used in manufacturing. Recent UK investigations have highlighted several familiar sources:

PFAS have been detected in some UK water sources, making drinking water one of the easiest and most effective places to reduce exposure at home.
Older or scratched non-stick pans can release PFAS-based coating materials during normal use.
Waterproof or stain-resistant jackets, school uniforms, carpets, and soft furnishings may rely on PFAS unless they are clearly labelled PFAS-free.
Certain pesticides and some food packaging can introduce PFAS into food, especially when products are treated or stored for long periods.
PFAS can migrate from treated textiles, furniture, or older consumer goods into dust that settles on floors and surfaces.

Some of these sources are easier to change than others, which is why focusing on controllable areas like cookware, textiles, and drinking water can be a practical starting point. Understanding these touchpoints makes it easier to see where small changes can have the most impact.

Simple changes that help lower PFAS exposure at home

Lowering PFAS exposure works best when you target the places where you have the most control at home. Experts such as Dr Sabine Donnai and Dr Federica Amati highlighted several practical actions that fit naturally into daily routines. These steps are not about clearing PFAS from the body. They aim to reduce ongoing exposure and build confidence in the choices you make at home.

Filter your drinking water

Not all water filters reduce PFAS. It’s easy to assume any jug will do, but many basic pitchers are designed mainly for taste and odour. Culligan with ZeroWater Technology features 5-stage advanced filtration. Plus, our water filters are IAPMO-certified to reduce Total PFAS, including substances such as PFOA and PFOS, so you can see exactly what your filter has been tested for.

Update your cookware

Stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic pans avoid PFAS-based coatings. If your non-stick pans are scratched or worn, switching to these alternatives is a simple way to reduce contact.

Choose safer clothing and textiles

Waterproof or stain-resistant items may contain PFAS unless labelled PFAS-free. Untreated fabrics or certified alternatives help minimise direct exposure, especially for children’s clothing and frequently used textiles.

Improve dust and ventilation

PFAS can migrate into household dust. Regular vacuuming and opening windows can reduce how much dust settles on surfaces and floors.

Increase dietary fibre

Dr Sabine Donnai told BBC News that higher fibre intake, from foods like oats, barley, beans, nuts, and seeds, offers some of the strongest evidence so far that it may help the body process PFAS. Many people choose to build these foods into their daily meals.

These changes work well together and can be introduced gradually. They create a healthier baseline for your home without requiring major lifestyle shifts.

Why filtered water can make a meaningful difference

Water is a common route of PFAS exposure because it is consumed throughout the day. BBC Panorama reported that PFAS can appear in UK tap water, like London or Kent, depending on the source and treatment method. This makes drinking water one of the most practical places to start if you want to lower your overall intake in a consistent, reliable way.

It’s easy to assume any water filter will do, but not all pitchers are designed or certified to deal with Total PFAS. Culligan with ZeroWater Technology gives you proof of what your filter is tested to reduce.

Insights from our Performance Data show our water filters are IAPMO-certified to:

Reduce up to 99.7% of Total PFAS (forever chemicals), including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpA, PFBS and PFDA
Reduce 28 contaminants in total, including select pharmaceuticals (such as ibuprofen, naproxen and carbamazepine) and pesticides (such as DEET and metolachlor)

Standard Brita filters aren’t certified to reduce harmful contaminants like lead, Chromium-6, or Total PFAS. Many basic jugs mainly focus on improving chlorine taste and odour. Other popular filters, including Water2 and Aquaphor jugs, highlight performance against contaminants such as chlorine, microplastics and heavy metals. However, they do not publish independent certification for Total PFAS reduction, so it is harder to know what they do against forever chemicals.

Culligan with ZeroWater Technology pitchers, by contrast, are certified to reduce 5x more contaminants than the leading filter, including Total PFAS and other harmful contaminants.

Cleaner water starts at zero, and users across the UK are sharing positive feedback about their experience with Culligan.