If you sell physical products, you've probably heard the word PFAS in a retailer email, a news story or a supplier call. But what is PFAS, exactly, and why does it suddenly matter to your business?
This guide explains PFAS in plain words. No chemistry degree needed.
Key takeaways
- PFAS are a big family of man-made chemicals, thousands of them.
- They make products repel water, oil and stains, and resist heat.
- They are called "forever chemicals" because they barely break down.
- Several US states now ban or restrict PFAS in everyday products, and some require reports.
PFAS in one sentence
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals that contain very strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them useful in products and very hard to break down in nature.
Why companies used PFAS
PFAS are good at a few jobs that are hard to do otherwise:
| What PFAS do | Where you see it |
|---|---|
| Repel water | Rain jackets, tents, backpacks, shoes |
| Repel oil and grease | Fast food wrappers, pizza boxes, popcorn bags |
| Resist stains | Sofas, rugs, car seats, "performance" fabrics |
| Stop food sticking | Nonstick pans and bakeware |
| Resist heat and chemicals | Seals, wire coatings, industrial parts |
For decades, these features made PFAS a normal part of manufacturing. Most brands never chose PFAS on purpose. Their mills, coaters or component suppliers did.
Why they're called "forever chemicals"
The carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in chemistry. That's great inside a pan. It's a problem outside it. PFAS released during manufacturing, use or disposal can stay in water and soil for a very long time. Studies have linked some PFAS to health concerns, and cleaning PFAS out of drinking water is expensive. That's the main reason governments are acting.
How many PFAS are there?
Thousands. Some well-known ones:
- PFOA and PFOS: older PFAS, now heavily restricted.
- PTFE: the classic nonstick coating. It's a fluoropolymer, and most state laws treat it as PFAS.
- Short-chain PFAS: newer replacements that are also being regulated.
Most state laws define PFAS broadly, for example as any substance with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. That's why "PFOA-free" doesn't mean "PFAS-free." See PFAS vs PFOA vs PTFE.
Where PFAS hide in products
PFAS are rarely in the "main" material you think about. They're often in one small part:
- The water-repellent finish on a fabric
- A membrane inside a jacket or boot
- A coated zipper or seam tape
- A stain guard sprayed on sofa fabric
- A grease barrier on food packaging
- A coating on a pan or air fryer basket
That's why compliance work happens at the component level. See how to check if a product contains PFAS.
Is PFAS illegal?
Not everywhere, and not in every product. Here's the short version for the US as of October 2026:
- Minnesota bans PFAS in 11 product categories since 2025 (like cookware, rugs, upholstered furniture and juvenile products) and requires reports on all products with intentionally added PFAS.
- Maine bans PFAS in many categories since January 1, 2026, including cookware and textiles.
- California limits PFAS in textiles, juvenile products, cosmetics and some food packaging. Its textile limit tightens to 50 ppm on January 1, 2027.
- New Mexico starts bans and reporting on January 1, 2027.
- Minnesota, Maine and New Mexico plan broad bans on nearly all products with intentionally added PFAS from 2032.
Europe also limits PFAS in food-contact packaging since August 12, 2026. For the full picture, see PFAS state laws in 2026.
What "intentionally added" means
Most laws target intentionally added PFAS: PFAS put in on purpose to do a job, like repelling water. Tiny traces from contamination usually aren't the main target, though some laws (like California's textile rule) also set total fluorine limits that can catch them. More in what intentionally added PFAS means.
Does PFAS law apply to my business?
If you sell products in the US, including online, there's a good chance at least one law applies. The biggest risk areas are apparel, outdoor gear, home textiles, furniture, cookware, kids' products, cosmetics and food packaging. Check does PFAS law apply to my business?
What should a business do first?
You don't need to become a chemist. Start with four steps:
- List your products and the states you sell in.
- Break each product into parts: fabric, finish, membrane, trims, coatings, packaging.
- Ask your suppliers a clear question about PFAS for each part, and get a signed answer.
- Keep the answers in one file per product.
That's the foundation for every PFAS law. Our PFAS compliance guide walks through the full process.
Common myths
"We don't use PFAS, so we're fine." Your suppliers might. Ask.
"Our product is PFOA-free." PFOA is just one PFAS among thousands.
"PFAS only matter for chemical companies." State laws put the duty on the brand that sells the product.
"Natural fibers can't have PFAS." The fiber may be clean, but finishes, threads and labels can carry PFAS.
"It's only a California thing." Minnesota, Maine, New Mexico, New York, Colorado and others have their own rules.
Key terms
- PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a family of thousands of man-made chemicals.
- Forever chemicals: A common nickname for PFAS because they last so long in nature.
- Fluoropolymer: A large PFAS molecule, like PTFE, used in coatings and membranes.
- Intentionally added: Added on purpose to give the product a function.
- PFAS-free: A marketing claim that needs proof behind it.
For more words, see our PFAS glossary.
The bottom line
PFAS are useful chemicals that last almost forever, and states are now restricting them in everyday products. For businesses, the job is simple to describe: know what's in each part of your products, get proof from suppliers, and follow the rules in the states you sell to.
How Secuabase helps
Secuabase asks your suppliers the right PFAS questions, follows up, checks every answer, and builds a clear file for each product. Your team reviews and signs.
For our first partners we run it free on one product line. Book a quick chat.
FAQ
What does PFAS stand for?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Why are they called forever chemicals?
They break down extremely slowly and can build up over time.
Are PFAS banned in the US?
No single federal ban on consumer products, but several states ban PFAS in certain categories.
General information, not legal advice. Facts checked October 2026.
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