Where It Comes From
Production and use of PFAS-based repellents, surfactants, and some firefighting foams; contamination near manufacturing sites, airports, and military bases [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water, food (including fish/wild game) from contaminated areas, indoor dust, some treated consumer products, and workplaces using PFAS [1][2].
Why It Matters
Long‑chain PFAS are very persistent and can bioaccumulate. Exposure to some related PFAS has been linked to increased cholesterol, effects on the liver and immune system (e.g., reduced vaccine response), developmental effects, and certain cancers (notably with PFOA) [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS; people living near contaminated sites; pregnant people, fetuses, infants, and children (including formula‑fed infants if water is contaminated) [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use certified home water filters for PFAS (activated carbon/NSF 53 or reverse osmosis/NSF 58), follow local water and fish advisories, reduce indoor dust with wet cleaning, and choose PFAS‑free products when possible [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/
- [2]EPA. Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [3]EPA. National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS (2024). https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
- [4]NTP. Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to PFOA and PFOS (2016). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfoa/index.html