HeraSphere #20: Are you ingesting (and gifting) toxins?

Hi friends,

I thought I was pretty knowledgeable and informed on health and wellness. Then I read Super Agers, Dr. Eric Topol’s book, and the chapter on PFAS and microplastics made me rethink my whole life.

Turns out, I was breathing in and swallowing chemicals that don't break down. Ever. Chemicals linked to hormone disruption, early menopause, and cardiovascular disease.

I know this sounds extreme and a bit paranoid. But once I understood what these substances actually do, especially to our children, I went down a whole rabbit hole. And had to share.

The TL;DR

PFAS ("forever chemicals") and microplastics are in your dental floss, mascara, nonstick pans, takeout containers, tap water and more. They don't break down—they accumulate in your body and disrupt hormones. For women 40+, the research is clear: higher PFAS exposure is linked to earlier menopause, thyroid dysfunction, increased cancer risk, and cardiovascular disease. You can't eliminate them, but you can reduce exposure. This is your room-by-room guide to the 10 biggest sources in your home—and simple swaps that actually work.

What Are PFAS and Microplastics?

PFAS ("forever chemicals") are synthetic compounds that resist water, grease, and stains. They've been used since the 1940s in everything from nonstick pans to period underwear. They don't break down in the environment or in our bodies. They accumulate.

Microplastics are fragments smaller than 5 millimeters that break off from larger plastic items—or are manufactured small, like the polymer base in chewing gum. Recent studies have found them in human blood, brain tissue, placentas, and arterial plaques.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily vaporize into the air. Indoors, they accumulate quickly and are associated with headaches, eye/throat irritation, and long-term hormonal and metabolic effects.

These act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones.

For women whose hormones are already fluctuating? This matters. For our children who are growing and developing - this matters even more.

Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to VOCs, PFAS, and phthalates because their brains, lungs, and endocrine systems are still developing. These chemicals can interfere with hormone signaling, immune function, and even neurodevelopment.

Teens using fragranced products like body sprays, scented candles, or lip gloss may unknowingly expose themselves daily. And for younger kids—who spend more time indoors and breathe more air per pound of body weight—the effects of indoor pollutants can be even more pronounced.

Swapping cleaner products protects the whole household. Just as women in perimenopause are navigating hormone changes, so are adolescents—and both are uniquely impacted by environmental disruptors.

The Top 10 Places PFAS and Microplastics Are Hiding in Your Home

After I learned this, I went room by room. Here's what I found:

1. Nonstick Cookware

The Issue: PFAS in the coating (especially PTFE/Teflon) can leach into food when heated or scratched. 79% of nonstick pans are coated with PTFEs and PFAS migrates into food, especially with heat and scratches
The Swap: Cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware labeled "PFAS-free" and "PTFE-free."

2. Dental Floss

The Issue: That "glide" you feel with popular brands like Oral-B Glide? It's Teflon—the same chemical in nonstick pans—going directly into your mouth and potentially your bloodstream through bleeding gums.
The Swap: Natural & PFAS free floss, like Coco Floss or water flossers like Waterpik.

3. Waterproof Mascara and Foundation

The Issue: That "long-lasting" claim you love? It's often code for PFAS. 82% of waterproof mascaras, 63% of foundations and 62% of liquid lipsticks tested positive for fluorine (a PFAS indicator). These products go directly on skin and near mucous membranes. Adding daily exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals through makeup applied near mucous membranes (eyes, lips) compounds the problem women experiencing hormonal shifts are dealing with. The good news? Half the makeup tested contained no PFAS, demonstrating that products can be manufactured without these chemicals
The Swap: Look for brands that specifically say "PFAS-free" or avoid anything labeled "waterproof" or "long-wear."

4. Food Packaging (Takeout Containers, Paper Coffee Cups, Plastic Coffee Pods, Tea Bags, Pizza Boxes, Microwave Popcorn Bags)

The Issue: That daily Starbucks run in a disposable cup could be delivering 25,000+ microplastic particles directly into your system—along with the endocrine-disrupting chemicals that leach from the plastic lining. Your Keurig or Nespresso pods can contain 20x more microplastics per cup compared to plastic-free alternatives. Grease-resistant coatings often contain PFAS and microplastics. Heating them transfers chemicals into food.
The Swap: BPI-certified compostable packaging (PFAS-free), or transfer food to glass before reheating. Make popcorn on the stovetop. Use your own steel or ceramic reusable cup for coffee runs, and avoid fancy mesh-like tea bags.

5. Chewing Gum

The Issue: A 2025 UCLA study found that gum releases up to 3,000 microplastic particles per piece—even "natural" gum.
The Swap: Xylitol mints, lozenges, or brands like Simply Gum which discloses ingredients.

6. Scented Candles or Air Fresheners

The Issue: That relaxing evening ritual of lighting a scented candle? You're essentially burning petroleum byproducts and breathing in carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and possibly PFAS. Paraffin wax candles and commercial air fresheners release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like benzene and formaldehyde—linked to respiratory issues, hormone disruption, and increased indoor air pollution. Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates and even PFAS, which can act as endocrine disruptors. Burning or diffusing these compounds concentrates pollutants in enclosed spaces, especially during colder months.
The Swap: Choose beeswax or coconut wax candles scented only with pure essential oils (no "fragrance" on the label). Or go flameless with a ceramic candle warmer or reed diffuser using natural oils. For air freshening, opt for baking soda, vinegar, essential oil mists, or open-window ventilation.

7. Stain-Resistant Furniture, Carpets, and Rugs

The Issue: Scotchgard and similar treatments are PFAS-based. The chemicals attach to household dust, which you inhale.
The Swap: Natural fiber rugs (wool, cotton) without stain treatments. Vacuum regularly with HEPA filters.

8. Menstrual Products & Feminine Hygiene

The Issue: A 2022 investigation found 48% of sanitary pads, incontinence pads and panty liners contained PFAS, as did 22% of tampons and 65% of period underwear. Vaginal tissue is highly absorbent and acts like a fast track directly to your bloodstream—chemicals can quickly get into your system without being filtered by your liver or digestive system.
The Swap: Look for brands that explicitly state "PFAS-free."

9. Tap Water

The Issue: A 2023 U.S. Geological Survey study found at least 45% of U.S. tap water contains detectable PFAS.
The Swap: Install a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified to remove PFAS. If you have a private well, get it tested.

10. Athletic Clothing & Sports Bras

The Issue: Your favorite Lululemon leggings and Nike sports bra might be doing more than supporting your workout—they could be exposing you to dangerous "forever chemicals" every time you break a sweat. Testing found fluorine (indicating PFAS) in one in four pairs of popular leggings and yoga pants from brands like Old Navy, Lululemon, Under Armour, Gap, and Adidas—with more than two-thirds of sports bras testing positive.
The Good News: States are taking action - in October 2025, 15 states have enacted laws limited or regulating PFAS in consumer products, including textiles and apparel. This is encouraging but doesn’t solve the immediate issue. I’ll probably keep wearing my gear but replace with natural fiber alternatives when they wear out.

Why This Matters More for Women 40+ (and Our Families)

PFAS and microplastics are endocrine disruptors. They mimic or block hormones—exactly when ours are already volatile.

Here's what the research shows:

• Earlier menopause and reduced fertility: Elevated PFAS levels are linked to primary ovarian insufficiency and reduced ovarian reserve

• Thyroid dysfunction: PFAS interfere with thyroid hormone production, affecting metabolism, energy, and mood

• Increased cancer risk: Women with higher PFAS exposure have nearly double the odds of melanoma, ovarian, and uterine cancer

• Cardiovascular disease: A 2024 study found people with microplastics in arterial plaques were 2.1x more likely to have a stroke or heart attack

• Developmental harm: Pregnant women with high PFAS exposure have children who score 5-7 IQ points lower by age 3-4 (on par with lead exposure)

Microplastics have been found in human placentas, blood, lungs, and brain tissue. They trigger inflammation and may impair cognitive function.

For women navigating perimenopause—when hormones already affect weight, sleep, mood, and bone density—this is gasoline on a fire.

What to Look for on Ingredient Labels (and What to Avoid)

Whether it’s floss, food, makeup, or household items, ingredient labels matter more than ever—but they’re not always easy to decode. Here’s a simple rule: if it doesn’t list ingredients clearly, don’t buy it. When labels are available, avoid these common red flags:

• PFAS terms: Look out for PTFE, Teflon, polyfluoroalkyl, fluoropolymer—used in floss, cookware, fabric coatings, and some cosmetics.

• Fragrance or parfum: These are catch-all terms that can hide phthalates, synthetic musks, and PFAS. Opt for products that use essential oils and disclose full scent ingredients.

• Artificial colors/flavors: Often petroleum-derived and unregulated for hormone effects. Found in food, gum, lipsticks, and skincare.

• Polyethylene, nylon, acrylates, microbeads: Indicators of microplastics in personal care and cosmetics.

• “Nonstick,” “stain-resistant,” or “moisture-wicking” claims in cookware, clothing, or period products often signal PFAS unless otherwise stated.

Look for products that say “PFAS-free,” “phthalate-free,” “fragrance-free (or essential oils only),” and disclose full ingredient lists. Brands that are clean usually highlight it clearly—those that don’t are often hiding something.

I verify all food and beauty purchases with Yuka, a free app that scans food, cosmetics, and personal care products to rate their health impact—flagging harmful ingredients like PFAS, additives, and allergens using independent scientific research.

What I'm Doing Differently (and Why It Matters This Season)

We already have a RO water filter, thankfully. We have glass food containers, and I’m tossing what’s left of my plastic Tupperware. I’m switching out my nonstick pans for cast iron. I threw out the Oral-B Glide, put away every scented candle, and even stopped my kids from chewing gum. Reviewing my makeup is a bit trickier as I don’t have the UPC for every product - but now I am very careful to check when I make new purchases.

I read labels so much more carefully now. I specifically ask my AI tools about PFAS in specific products and what to watch out for. And I’ve stopped assuming “clean” or “natural” means safe.

This shift is about what I’m choosing to bring into our home, and what I’m giving to others.

This time of year, we’re not just giving gifts—we’re giving knowledge and exposure. And I want my gifts to protect, not pollute my family & friends.

What’s one thing you’re swapping in 2026?

xo,

Lilly

Welcome to HeraSphere, where women's health is simplified. I'm Lilly Liu Minkove, and I spent 25 years in consumer insights helping brands understand what women actually need. Now I'm using that lens to translate complex health research into actionable advice for women over 40.

No BS. No fear-mongering. Just smart, girlfriend-to-girlfriend guidance.

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Note: While I love diving deep into research and sharing what I've learned about women's health and wellness, I want to be crystal clear: I'm a passionate health advocate and researcher, not a medical professional. Think of me as your well-informed friend who does extensive homework – but not your doctor.

Everything I share in HeraSphere comes from careful research and personal experience, but it's meant to inform and inspire, not to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Your body is uniquely yours, and what works for one person might not work for another. Always consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or wellness practices, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.