If they are present absolutely everywhere – in our clothing, packaging, cosmetics and food – can we still succeed in identifying PFAS on a daily basis? Dr Pierre Souvet, cardiologist and president of the Association Santé Environnement France (ASEF), enlightens us.
Eternal pollutants, substances harmful to our health
Perennial pollutants – or PFAS – refer to perfluoroalkyls and polyfluoroalkylates, these ultra-resistant chemical substances produced industrially and present everywhere in our daily lives.
Their distinctive sign? They can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.
However, according to the ARS of Pays de la Loire, these almost indestructible chemical compounds have a proven impact on our health. Four effects have been identified with a sufficient level of evidence:
- A reduction in the immune response to vaccines.
- Lipid disorders (due to high cholesterol and/or triglycerides).
- A decrease in birth weight.
- Increased risk of kidney cancer.
On December 1, 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) even classified PFOA (one of the PFAS most used in cooking for its non-stick properties) as “carcinogenic to humans“(group 1) and PFOS as a substance”potentially carcinogenic to humans” (group 2B).
PFAS: how to spot and avoid them?
If we already know that PFAS are omnipresent in the water we drink or the clothes we wear, how can we truly avoid them? The question could not be more serious… and complex.
Indeed, if some of these eternal pollutants have already been banned in certain categories of everyday consumer goods since January 1, 2026 – notably in cosmetics, ski waxes, clothing, shoes and their waterproofing agents (apart from protective equipment, such as that of firefighters) – many everyday products still contain them.
“Fortunately, many brands have started this transition by choosing to do without these substances. This is the case of Patagonia, for example, which has committed to no longer using it.says Dr. Pierre Souvet. And to identify these pollutant-free products, good news, “just look at the labels. GOPS or ECOTEX, for example, do not normally contain any“, specifies the expert.
A simple test also allows you to know if your clothing contains PFAS: all you need to do is put a little oil or water on a fabric and observe if the liquid flows, continues the specialist. “But it’s a bit risky, because the oil can damage your clothing.”
What about their presence in our food?
On the food side, the situation is more complicated. “Residues can come from water, but also from sewage sludge, used as fertilizer, because our treatment plants are not capable of eliminating these micropollutants. They can then go back into the fields, the plants and therefore our food.” warns the co-founder of ASEF.
According to Générations Futures, around 34% of the fruits tested also contained resistant residues. The exception? “In organic products, samples show very little PFAS“, confirms the specialist. However, if there are few studies comparing organic and non-organic products, it would seem logical that organic contains less, “especially because water plays an important role.”
Please note: any cone of fries or pizza carton without grease stains is likely to contain PFAS, since these substances make the packaging impermeable to grease.
Certain materials should be preferred
In cooking, however, it is more difficult to identify these ultra-resistant chemical substances. As a precautionary measure, “non-stick pans should not be overheated nor should they be damaged“, reminds the doctor. On a daily basis, certain materials that are “safer” for your health should also be favored: cast iron, stainless steel and glass.
Finally, regarding cosmetics, “turn to labels like Cosmebio, CosmoOrganic or Nature & Protect to avoid these chemical compounds,” recommends the cardiologist.
Ultimately, if no product is completely free of these perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), certain practices make it possible to limit their presence, concludes the president of the Association Santé Environnement France (ASEF).