Where It Comes From
Manufacturing and use in water- and oil-repellent coatings, treated textiles, and some cosmetic or cleaning products; releases to dust and wastewater during production and use [2][4].
How You Are Exposed
Contact with treated products, indoor dust, and drinking water near industrial sources; small amounts can migrate from consumer uses into air or water [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS exposure is linked to immune effects, high cholesterol, liver and thyroid changes, developmental harms, and, for some PFAS like PFOA, cancer [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
People near PFAS manufacturing or contaminated water, workers handling PFAS formulations, pregnant people, infants and children [1][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water advisories; use certified filters for PFAS; minimize stain-resistant sprays and water-repellent treatments; damp-dust and use a HEPA vacuum; follow workplace safety guidance [2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Basic Information on PFAS / Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS.
- [3]IARC. Monographs: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), 2023.
- [4]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health (Exposure, Health Effects, and Reducing Exposure).