Where It Comes From
Made for surface‑treatment polymers and coatings; released during manufacturing, product use (washing/wear), and disposal [2][3].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near production or contaminated sites, indoor dust from treated carpets/upholstery, food contact papers, and workplace air/skin contact in finishing/coating jobs [1][2][4].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in people; exposure is linked to reduced vaccine response, increased cholesterol, liver and thyroid changes, and some PFAS (e.g., PFOA) are linked to cancer [1][5][6].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in fluorochemical and textile treatment facilities; people using private wells near PFAS sources; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Treat drinking water with effective filtration (granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange) where needed; choose PFAS‑free or “no stain‑resistant treatment” products; wet‑dust and use a HEPA vacuum; follow local fish/water advisories; test private wells near potential sources [2][7][8].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS), 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Basic Information on PFAS.
- [3]ATSDR/CDC. PFAS and Your Health – Exposure Sources.
- [4]NIOSH (CDC). Workplace Safety and Health Topics: PFAS.
- [5]NTP. Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS (Monograph), 2016.
- [6]IARC. PFOA classified as carcinogenic to humans (Monograph/2023).
- [7]U.S. EPA. Treating PFAS in Drinking Water (GAC, RO, IX).
- [8]U.S. EPA. Guidance on PFAS in Fish and Shellfish/Local Advisories.