Where It Comes From
Made for surface treatments, paints, sealants, and coatings; released during manufacturing, use, and weathering of treated goods. Related compounds can break down to long‑chain perfluoroalkyl acids [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Indoor dust and air from treated carpets and fabrics, food-contact papers, contaminated drinking water near facilities, and workplace handling during manufacturing or application [1][3].
Why It Matters
Many long‑chain PFAS persist and build up in people. Exposure to some PFAS is linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response, developmental effects, and liver changes [1][4]. PFOA, a related PFAS, is classified carcinogenic to humans [5].
Who Is at Risk
Workers using PFAS products; people with PFAS‑contaminated water; pregnant people, infants, and children, who are more sensitive to developmental impacts [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free products; avoid optional stain‑resistant treatments; wet‑dust and ventilate; check local water reports; use certified filters like activated carbon or reverse osmosis if PFAS are present; follow workplace controls and PPE [2][3][6].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls. 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Fact Sheet: LCPFAC and PFAS Chemical Substances (uses/precursors). 2020–2024.
- [3]ATSDR/CDC. PFAS and Your Health – Information for Communities. 2022–2024.
- [4]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS. 2016.
- [5]IARC. Monographs Vol. 131: PFOA (Group 1) and PFOS. 2023.
- [6]U.S. EPA. Drinking Water Treatability Database – PFAS (GAC, IX, RO). 2024.