Where It Comes From
Manufacturing and use of PFAS-based surfactants in water‑ and oil‑repellent coatings, cleaners, and processing aids; releases to air, dust, and wastewater; wear of treated products [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near contaminated sites; eating fish/food; indoor dust; skin contact with treated textiles and products; workplace handling (e.g., surfactants, foams) [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in people; some are linked to higher cholesterol, immune effects (reduced vaccine response), liver/thyroid changes, developmental outcomes; PFOA is carcinogenic to humans [1][2][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
PFAS workers; people using private wells near industrial sites, landfills, airports/military bases; pregnant people, fetuses, infants; high fish consumers in contaminated areas [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Test private wells; use NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified filters; wet‑dust and vacuum with HEPA; limit stain‑repellent treatments; follow workplace PPE and hygiene [1][2].
References
- [1]U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Basic Information on PFAS.
- [2]Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). PFAS and Your Health.
- [3]International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Monographs Vol. 135: PFOA (Group 1) and PFOS (Group 2B) (2023).
- [4]National Toxicology Program (NTP). Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to PFOA and PFOS (2016).