Where It Comes From
Manufacturing and use of fluorotelomer‑based repellents; waterproofing sprays; PFAS‑treated textiles, leather, and paper; some floor or masonry sealers [2][3].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing spray mists and indoor air, contact with treated items and house dust, drinking water near PFAS production/use sites, and workplace handling during manufacturing or application [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in people; some related PFAS (e.g., PFOA and long‑chain PFCAs) are linked to immune effects and certain cancers [1][4][5].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS resins/sprays; people who are pregnant; infants and children; communities with PFAS‑impacted drinking water [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free or “fluorine‑free” products; avoid spray waterproofers indoors or ventilate well; damp‑dust/HEPA vacuum; wash hands; use home water filters certified to reduce PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58); follow workplace controls and PPE [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR (CDC). Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas
- [2]US EPA. PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- [3]US EPA. Long-Chain Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) Action Plan (2009). https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/long-chain-perfluorinated-chemicals-pfcs-action-plan
- [4]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS (2016). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfoa
- [5]IARC. Monographs Vol. 131: PFOA and PFOS (2023). https://publications.iarc.fr/604