What Are PFAS - And Why Should You Care?

Creating a Healthier Home with Thoughtful Interior Design

I recently watched a documentary about microplastics and it completely stopped me in my tracks.

Like many people, I consider myself fairly health conscious. I prioritise good nutrition, movement and sustainability in my daily life. But what struck me most was how little attention we give to the invisible chemicals inside our homes.

One group of chemicals in particular stood out: PFAS.

If you’ve never heard of them, you’re not alone. Yet they are surprisingly common in modern interiors.

As an interior designer working across Bristol, Bath and Somerset, I believe our homes should not only look beautiful - they should support our wellbeing too. So I wanted to share what PFAS are, why they matter, and how you can reduce your exposure.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment - or in our bodies.

PFAS have been used since the 1940s in a huge range of consumer products because they are:

• Water resistant

• Stain resistant

• Grease resistant

• Heat resistant

On the surface, that sounds helpful. But the problem lies in their persistence and accumulation over time.

Where Are PFAS Found in the Home?

PFAS are more common in our interiors than most people realise. They can be found in:

• Stain-resistant sofas and carpets

• Water-repellent fabrics

• Non-stick cookware

• Some paints and varnishes

• Treated rugs

• Certain mattress protectors

• Fast furniture made with synthetic coatings

Many stain-guarded soft furnishings contain chemical treatments designed to repel spills. While convenient, these coatings can slowly degrade and contribute to microplastic and chemical exposure within the home.

This is particularly relevant for family homes in Bristol, Bath and the Cotswolds, where soft furnishings and upholstery play a central role in everyday life.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

Research continues to evolve, but PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of potential health concerns.

They accumulate in the body over time and have been associated with:

• Hormone disruption

• Immune system effects

• Fertility challenges

• Developmental concerns

• Increased cholesterol levels

We are exposed through water, food packaging and environmental contamination - but our homes are a significant source too.

For me, the real shift came in recognising that interior design choices directly impact long-term health.

Beauty should never come at the cost of wellbeing.

Microplastics & Indoor Air Quality

Beyond PFAS specifically, the broader issue is microplastics and synthetic off-gassing within enclosed spaces.

Modern homes are more airtight than ever before. While this improves energy efficiency, it can trap airborne pollutants inside.

Common contributors include:

• Synthetic carpets

• Vinyl flooring

• Laminate furniture

• Foam-filled sofas

• Mass-produced MDF cabinetry

Over time, these materials can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microscopic particles into the air.

For households with young children - who spend more time on floors and soft furnishings - this becomes even more relevant.

How to Reduce PFAS & Chemical Exposure at Home

The good news is that there are practical, manageable steps you can take.

You do not need to strip your home overnight. Small, intentional changes make a difference.

1. Choose Natural Fibres

Opt for upholstery and soft furnishings made from:

• Linen

• Cotton

• Wool

• Hemp

• Jute

These materials are breathable, biodegradable and generally untreated compared to synthetic alternatives.

When specifying fabrics for clients in Somerset and Bath, I increasingly prioritise natural compositions wherever possible.

2. Avoid Stain-Resistant Treatments

It can be tempting to select “easy clean” finishes - especially in family homes.

Instead, consider:

• Washable slipcovers

• Tightly woven natural fabrics

• Regular maintenance rather than chemical coatings

Well-chosen fabrics age beautifully without requiring heavy chemical protection.

3. Invest in Solid Wood Furniture

Solid timber pieces - especially reclaimed or FSC-certified wood - are not only more sustainable, they also reduce reliance on synthetic laminates and glues.

Reclaimed timber flooring, for example, introduces warmth and history while avoiding many modern composite materials.

4. Look for Low-VOC Paints

Many reputable paint brands now offer low- or zero-VOC options.

This significantly reduces airborne chemical release, especially during renovation.

In projects across Bristol and the Cotswolds, specifying healthier paint systems has become an increasingly important part of the brief.

5. Improve Ventilation

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.

Regular ventilation, air purification and houseplants can help improve indoor air quality and reduce pollutant build-up.

Sustainable Interior Design in Practice

At Khaya Studio, sustainability has always been important to me - but this documentary deepened my commitment.

Going forward, I am more conscious than ever of:

• Fabric composition

• Chemical treatments

• Material sourcing

• Longevity over fast trends

• Reclaimed and vintage sourcing

Incorporating health-led decisions does not mean compromising on aesthetics. In fact, natural materials often bring more depth, texture and authenticity to a space.

There is a richness to linen, a grounding quality to timber, and a softness to wool that synthetic materials rarely replicate.

For Clients Who Want a Healthier Home

If you are planning a renovation or interior design project in Bristol, Bath or Somerset and would like to incorporate lower-toxin, sustainability-led choices into your brief, I would be very happy to do so.

This can include:

• Natural upholstery sourcing

• Low-VOC paint specification

• Reclaimed materials

• Avoiding unnecessary chemical treatments

• Prioritising longevity and quality

Interior design should support your lifestyle - not undermine your wellbeing.

A Gentle Shift, Not Perfection

It’s important to say this isn’t about fear or perfection.

PFAS and microplastics are widespread. It is unrealistic to eliminate exposure entirely.

But awareness allows us to make better choices.

As with most things, small cumulative shifts matter.

Choosing one natural rug.Selecting a solid wood dining table.Specifying breathable fabrics.

Over time, those decisions shape a healthier home.

Designing Beautiful, Considered Homes in Bristol & Beyond

My work as an interior designer in Bristol and Bath has always centred on warmth, longevity and thoughtful detailing.

Now, that commitment extends even more consciously to health and sustainability.

Because a truly successful interior is not just beautiful - it feels good to live in.

If you would like to explore how your home could better support both your lifestyle and your wellbeing, I would love to hear from you.

You can explore more of our projects or get in touch to discuss your plans.

Beautiful design and healthy living should go hand in hand.