Where It Comes From
Made for surface‑treatment coatings and polymers; may be present in treated fabrics, carpeting, leather, paper/packaging, and some paints or sealants [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Indoor dust and air from treated products, skin contact with coated items, and drinking water or food if PFAS migrate from products or industrial sources [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and build up in people and the environment; some PFAS are associated with higher cholesterol, immune and liver effects, and developmental impacts. PFOA, a related PFAS, is classified as carcinogenic to humans [1][3][4][5].
Who Is at Risk
Workers making or applying fluorinated coatings; communities near PFAS production or contaminated water; infants, children, and pregnant people (more vulnerable to effects) [1][2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free products; skip optional stain‑resistant treatments; ventilate during use; clean dust with a HEPA vacuum and wet mopping; wash hands before eating; check local water and use activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters certified for PFAS reduction [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021.
- [2]US EPA. Basic Information on PFAS; Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. 2023–2024.
- [3]WHO. PFAS in Drinking-water: Background to WHO Guidelines. 2022.
- [4]IARC Monographs. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — Carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). 2023.
- [5]NTP Monograph. Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS — Presumed hazard to the immune system. 2016.