PFAS in Brussels: from tap water to the kitchen, what you need to know

Updated January 9, 2026 by Pierre

You pay attention to what you eat. You choose organic whenever possible, you read labels, and you make a detour to the market rather than the ultra-processed aisle. And if you regularly follow InsideBrussels, you've probably already read our articles on short circuits, on how to order products directly from farm to table, or our selections of gluten-free restaurants In Brussels. In short, you're trying to eat better, mindfully.

Why we pay attention to what we eat (and increasingly so in Brussels)

But one question rarely comes up around the table: What do we cook these good products with? Because even with organic vegetables, local meat, or quality fish, the equipment used can also have an impact on what ends up on the plate. In recent months, the topic of PFAS — those famous "eternal pollutants" — has entered into the debates, particularly in Brussels, where there is talk of their presence in the water and more broadly in the urban environment.

PFAS: what exactly are they and why is there so much talk about them?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of chemical compounds used for decades for their properties non-stick, waterproof and heat resistantTheir distinguishing feature? They degrade very slowly, which has earned them the nickname of eternal pollutants.

In Brussels, as elsewhere, their presence is now more closely monitored, particularly in drinking water, but also in certain everyday products. Without being alarmist, this growing awareness is prompting more and more consumers to question avoidable sources of exposure.

Where do we find PFAS on a daily basis, often without realizing it?

Even when paying attention to one's diet, PFAS can hide in:

• Drinking waterincluding in Brussels, where their presence is monitored
• Some non-stick cookwareespecially old or damaged ones
• Food packaging grease-resistant (pizza boxes, food-grade paper)
• Treated textiles (waterproof clothing, stain-resistant tablecloths, rugs)
• Fire-fighting foamshistorically used on industrial sites
• Some cosmetics and household products

📌 Want to learn more about this topic? "PFAS are hidden everywhere in the objects of our daily lives" (Le Soir) — a podcast from the newspaper Evening which addresses the presence of PFAS in many products and environments, specifically mentioning their presence in the environment and drinking water.

It is often in the kitchen that we can most easily take action.

How to easily limit PFAS in everyday life?

We cannot completely eliminate PFAS, but we can reduce avoidable sources, especially at home. And one of the simplest actions begins where you least expect it: the utensil you use every day… the frying pan.
Some non-stick pans may contain or have contained PFAS, especially when they are old or damaged.

Better equipment without going overboard

In this more conscious approach to cooking, some companies offer utensils, clothing or products designed to last, in line with current health and sustainability concerns.

In Brussels, where people juggle restaurants, markets, and home-cooked meals, reducing avoidable sources of PFAS is a pragmatic approach. Sometimes, simply choosing the right products is enough.Good equipment to continue eating well and living… with complete confidence:

• La PFAS-free pan A simple and concrete first step. It prevents the migration of controversial substances during cooking, especially at high temperatures. These pans now offer excellent performance and meet the expectations of those who want to cook with greater peace of mind.

• La stainless steel pan : the return of a healthy and sustainable classic: Another popular alternative: the Naturally PFAS-free, ultra-resistant, and food-safe, it allows for precise and controlled cooking. Once you've mastered the proper techniques, it quickly becomes an indispensable part of your daily routine.
• outdoor textiles: Our synthetic clothing releases microplastics with each wash, which pollutes the water, the soil, and the indoor air. Combined with PFASThese invisible pollutants can disrupt our hormonal system. While not everything is controllable, our consumption choices—particularly regarding textiles and everyday products—can help reduce some avoidable exposures. A simple way to start is to look at which textile brands state in their policies that they will not use FPAS. Examples include... @didriksons ou JACK WOLFSKIN

In conclusion: eating better also means making better choices

In Brussels, people are paying more and more attention to what they eat: organic, local, gluten-free, short supply chains… But as we've seen, food isn't everything. The water we drink, the packaging we use, the clothes we wear, and the utensils we cook with also play a role in our daily exposure to PFAS and other invisible pollutants.

Without falling into obsession or fear, the main idea is to regain some control where possibleReplacing certain everyday objects, favouring simpler and more durable materials, getting information from reliable sources… These are often small gestures, but they make sense when they are part of a global approach.

Eating better, in Brussels as elsewhere, therefore begins with a broader awareness: that of everything surrounding our food. And sometimes, changing one habit is enough to move in the right direction.