Where It Comes From
PFAS-treated carpets, textiles, food packaging, and industrial coatings; releases during manufacturing and product use [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing indoor air and dust, handling treated items, some food contact materials, and being near industrial sources [1][2].
Why It Matters
Precursor to PFOA and related PFAS linked to liver, immune, cholesterol, and developmental effects; PFOA is carcinogenic [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
PFAS manufacturing/applicator workers; carpet care staff; households with many stain‑resistant items; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free goods; avoid “stain‑resistant” or “fluoro/PTFE” labels; ventilate, HEPA‑vacuum and wet‑dust; limit greasy fast‑food wrappers; use certified PFAS water filters if advised [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained. Environmental Protection Agency, 2024.
- [3]IARC. Carcinogenicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2023.
- [4]NTP. Immunotoxicity associated with exposure to PFOA or PFOS. National Toxicology Program, 2016.