Where It Comes From
Manufacture/use of oil‑, water‑, and stain‑repellent coatings for textiles, paper/packaging, and specialty surfactants; legacy products and waste; breakdown of related PFAS precursors [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water, indoor dust/air, food (including fish from contaminated waters), and some workplaces (textile/paper treatment, firefighting foams) [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in people; studies of related PFAS link exposure to higher cholesterol, liver effects, reduced vaccine response, developmental effects, and certain cancers (e.g., PFOA) [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Pregnant people, infants/children; communities near contaminated water or factories; workers handling PFAS or AFFF; people who frequently consume fish from advisories [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local PFAS water results; use certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters; follow fish advisories; minimize use of stain‑resistant/waterproofing sprays; wet‑dust/HEPA vacuum; follow workplace protections [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Basic Information on PFAS; Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water (treatment options).
- [3]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to PFOA and PFOS. National Toxicology Program, 2016.
- [4]IARC. Carcinogenicity of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS). IARC Monographs, 2023.