Where It Comes From
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF); textile and paper oil/water‑repellent treatments; metal plating; releases from industrial use and waste sites [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking contaminated water; eating fish or wildlife from polluted waters; contact with PFAS‑treated consumer products and indoor dust; on‑the‑job exposure during foam use or PFAS manufacturing [1][4].
Why It Matters
Exposure to some PFAS has been linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response in children, liver and thyroid effects, developmental impacts, and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer [1].
Who Is at Risk
Infants and children, pregnant people, communities near airports, military bases, and fire‑training sites, and workers who use AFFF or make/process PFAS [1][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local PFAS water results; use certified home filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis) if needed; follow fish advisories; avoid optional stain‑resistant treatments; follow workplace controls/PPE and AFFF cleanup guidance; wet‑dust and use a HEPA vacuum [1][2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
- [2]U.S. EPA. Drinking Water Treatment Technologies to Address PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/water-research/drinking-water-treatment-technologies-address-pfas
- [3]U.S. EPA. Transitioning from Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). https://www.epa.gov/pfas/transitioning-aqueous-film-forming-foam-afff
- [4]CDC/NIOSH. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Workplace. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/pfas/default.html