PFASfree

PFASfree is a labeling term used to indicate that a product or material is free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The term is commonly applied to consumer goods such as cookware, textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, and cleaning products. PFAS encompass a large group of fluorinated chemicals used for water and grease resistance; many PFAS persist in the environment and are subject to regulatory and public health scrutiny. The PFASfree claim signals to consumers that no PFAS were detected above a given threshold or that PFAS were not intentionally added to the product.

How PFASfree is determined varies by jurisdiction and company. Labels may refer to no detectable PFAS above a specified analytical limit or to no intentionally added PFAS. Testing typically relies on laboratory methods such as LC-MS/MS or GC-MS. In many regions, green or safety claims are regulated by consumer protection authorities and must be truthful and not misleading.

Limitations include the breadth of PFAS chemicals; new or unidentified PFAS may not be covered by a claim, and non-detect results depend on detection limits. Some products may be PFAS-free in terms of intentionally added substances but still contain trace PFAS from suppliers. Conversely, a product may be marketed as PFASfree while containing alternatives that serve a similar function but are not PFAS.

PFASfree labeling is part of broader efforts to reduce exposure to persistent fluorinated compounds and to encourage safer materials. Consumers should examine the scope and basis of a PFASfree claim and consider independent testing or certification where available.