How can we reduce exposure to PFAS? A comic strip explains (part 2).

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This is the second comic in a series about a group of chemicals known as “Forever Chemicals” or PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This comic focuses on concrete actions you can take to protect your family and stories from individuals helping to keep their communities safe from PFAS through research and advocacy.

Mother holding toddler. She asks: How can we reduce exposure to PFAS?
A parent has both hands on head and looks worried. Behind is a background of household objects. Text: PFAS chemicals are "forever chemicals" that can be harmful to health. They're in a lot of common products. But there are ways we can reduce our exposure to them.
A woman holding a non-stick pan says, "It’s hard to tell what has PFAS in it." Dr. Shirlee Tan, Toxicologist replies, "It could be in anything that’s labeled as waterproof, grease-proof, stain-proof, or non-stick. "
Text: WHEN YOU SHOP, Choose products that clearly state that they are “fluorine-free” or “PFC or PFAS-free.” Avoid products that are labeled as water or stain resistant. Look for the “Safer Choice” logo on cleaning products.
Seek brands and retailers that have committed to removing PFAS. A shopper asks, "Do you have raincoats without PFAS?" A retail worker replies, "Yes, we have ones that use a wax coating instead."
A man spoons food out of a takeout container into a bowl. A microwave is in the background. Text: AT HOME, reduce your exposure to PFAS: Vacuum often to reduce dust contaminated with PFAS from household items. Don’t reheat food in plastic containers.
Two women shopping at a thrift shop. They stand in front of a shelf of pots and pans marked “Thift, 50% off.” One holds a cast iron pan. They discuss how it isn't cheap to replace pans, so they're doing it one at a time.
Nilu Pedram of the Afghan Health Initiative points to an traditional Afghan sofa. She says, "In our community, many people used fabric protectors on upholstery. Then we found out they have PFAS. Now, we use them less, even though we have to replace the fabric more often. The health effects from PFAS would cost us more in the long run."
Noe, a community fisher, puts a fish in a plastic bag as he says, "I sent fish like this one in for testing. King County will let people know which fish are best to catch and eat in different areas." Text: IN THE COMMUNITY, public agencies are monitoring for PFAS in drinking water, fish, and the environment. Local fishers helped identify where fish may be contaminated by PFAS.
A father and child ask the saleswoman at a furniture store, "Do you sell any furniture without PFAS?" Dr. Tan explains: Lowering our exposure is a key step to protect our health. And we can also request products and policies that limit PFAS in items. .

Thank you to Noe, Reza Pedram and Nilu Pedram for sharing their stories.  Comic by the Lead and Toxics Program, Public Health – Seattle & King County. Artwork by Amy Camber.

For more information on PFAS: PFAS/forever chemicals – King County, Washington

More comics in this series:

Follow the Public Health Insider for more in this comic series about how people in King County are keeping their communities safe from PFAS.:

What are PFAS and why are they harmful? A comic strip explains.
What can we do to limit PFAS? A comic explains (part 3).

Originally posted on 11/19/24.