Where It Comes From
Made for surface‑treatment coatings and adhesives; can be present in treated goods and industrial emissions [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Contact with treated textiles/carpets and food‑contact paper, indoor dust, contaminated drinking water near PFAS facilities, and workplace air/skin exposure during production or application [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS are very persistent; some precursors can degrade to perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), which has a long half‑life. PFAS exposure has been linked to higher cholesterol, immune effects, liver and thyroid changes, and developmental effects; PFOA (a related PFAS) is carcinogenic to humans [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
PFAS manufacturing and textile/paper finishing workers; people using stain‑resistant carpets/upholstery; communities with PFAS‑impacted water; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free products; vacuum with a HEPA filter and wet‑dust; wash hands before eating; check your water report and consider certified activated carbon or reverse‑osmosis filters for PFAS; follow workplace safety guidance [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained / Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. 2024.
- [3]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health (exposure and reduction guidance). 2022.
- [4]IARC Monographs Vol. 135. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) carcinogenic to humans. 2023.