Where It Comes From
Made for fluorinated coatings on textiles, leather, paper, and paints; released during manufacturing, product use, and disposal. Some related sulfonamide PFAS can transform to PFOS in the environment [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Indoor dust from treated carpets/upholstery, use of waterproofing sprays, contaminated drinking water near facilities or landfills, eating contaminated fish, and on-the-job contact in fluorochemical work [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS can build up in people; exposure is linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response, liver and thyroid changes, and pregnancy/developmental effects. Some PFAS (PFOA) cause cancer; PFOS is possibly carcinogenic [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers making/using fluorinated coatings; communities near production or contaminated water; pregnant people, infants, and those who eat a lot of locally caught fish where advisories exist [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water reports; use certified filters (activated carbon, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis) for PFAS; choose PFAS‑free products; skip stain‑repellent treatments; wet‑dust/HEPA‑vacuum; follow fish advisories [1][2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). U.S. DHHS, 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Basic Information on PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [3]IARC Monographs (2023): PFOA carcinogenic to humans (Group 1); PFOS possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B).
- [4]U.S. EPA. Drinking Water Treatment for PFAS (GAC, RO, ion exchange). https://www.epa.gov/pfas/drinking-water-treatment-pfas