What consumer products contain PFAS?
PFAS are used in consumer products for their oil and water repellant properties, their ability to create low friction surfaces, heat and chemical stability, and for their properties that allow for liquids to be spread evenly.
PFAS can be found in a variety of consumer products including:
- Food contact materials
- Textiles
- Building materials
- Lubricants
- Ski waxes
- Cosmetics
- Paints
Recent studies have evaluated the prevalence and concentration of PFAS in various consumer products. Researchers found the highest concentrations of PFAS in household firefighting products, textile finishing agents, and household chemicals, and found 72 different types of PFAS used in textiles.
How to choose non-PFAS consumer products
PFAS are used in many consumer products like cookware, clothing and food packaging. Limiting exposure at home can reduce your risk.
PFAS Central and the Ecology Center provide free guides for PFAS-free purchasing, with many brands sold in New Mexico:
Major PFAS Chemicals Used in Consumer Products
Public awareness of PFAS and the human health concerns about PFAS is increasing, especially in products that contact skin or are consumed orally, such as food contact materials
Two of the most studied PFAS chemicals are PFOA and PFOS. Scientific studies show that exposure to these chemicals can harm human health.
Major U.S. companies stopped making PFOA between 2006 and 2015, and production of PFOS largely ended in 2000. Even so, these chemicals are still a concern because they do not easily break down and remain in the environment for many years. In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized national drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS to help reduce health risks.
Some PFAS chemicals, called precursor compounds, can change over time into PFOA, PFOS, or other PFAS. Because of this, people can still be exposed even though manufacturers have phased out direct production. Exposure can happen from older contamination already present in water, soil, and dust, or from precursor chemicals that later transform into these substances.
In addition, some precursor PFAS can convert into PFOA, PFOS, or related chemicals inside the human body. This means that PFAS exposure — and possible health effects — may continue for many years.
New Mexico’s PFAS Protection Act
House Bill 212, or the PFAS Protection Act, phases out consumer products with intentionally added PFAS, making sure forever chemicals don’t find their way into New Mexicans’ homes.
Starting January 1, 2027, products such as cookware, food packaging, dental floss, juvenile products, and firefighting foam are banned. On January 1, 2028, it expands to include carpets, cleaning items, cosmetics, fabrics, feminine hygiene products, textiles, ski wax, upholstered furniture, By January 1, 2032, virtually all non‑exempt products containing intentionally added PFAS are prohibited unless deemed a “currently unavoidable use” by the Environmental Improvement Board.
Manufacturers must also begin reporting detailed information about PFAS content in their products by 2027. The legislation includes important exemptions and enforcement provisions — such medical devices and electronic — where PFAS is essential and does not pose serious harm to those using the products.
Rulemaking for the PFAS Protection Act is ongoing, and NMED encourages the public to get involved. Visit our PFAS Protection Act page to learn more.