Stain-Resistant Textiles (PFAS)

'Stain-proof' carpets, sofas, jackets.

38High burden · out of 100

Cleaner swapUntreated fabrics; skip the stain-guard add-on

How this score is built

100Start
72.4Chemical hazard 6 × 4.6−27.6
58.8Everyday exposure 4 × 3.4−13.6
38Persistence 8 × 2.6−20.8
HighThe band38 sits in 20–39.

What each input rests on

The three ratings behind the score, and the studies each rests on
Input	Rating	Evidence
Chemical hazard	6/10	Multiple studies link PFAS exposure to adverse immune outcomes in children, and dyslipidemia is the strongest metabolic outcome; cancer evidence is limited to manufacturing locations with extremely high exposures. A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects · J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2019 DOI 10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1 · PMID 30470793 · Abstract · read 2026-10-05
Everyday exposure	4/10	In 178 women, having stain-resistant carpet or furniture was associated with higher levels of some serum PFASs. Serum concentrations of PFASs and exposure-related behaviors in African American and non-Hispanic white women · J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2019 DOI 10.1038/s41370-018-0109-y · PMID 30622332 · Abstract · read 2026-10-02
Persistence	8/10	After residents of Ronneby, Sweden, stopped drinking PFAS-contaminated water, their mean serum half-lives were estimated at 5.3 years for PFHxS, 3.4 years for PFOS and 2.7 years for PFOA. Half-lives of PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA after end of exposure to contaminated drinking water · Occup Environ Med 2018 DOI 10.1136/oemed-2017-104651 · PMID 29133598 · Abstract, Results · read 2026-10-05

Ratings are editorial. A study listed here supports the rating; it did not compute it. How the index is built

What this means for you

The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. Stain and water repellency usually means PFAS coatings that shed into dust and never break down. Decline the optional stain treatment.

Evidence strength: strong

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