Where It Comes From
Made and used in repellents and surface‑treatment products; wear and breakdown of treated goods can release PFAS to air, dust, and water. [1][2]
How You Are Exposed
Indoor dust and air near treated carpets, fabrics, and gear; contaminated drinking water near production or firefighting sites; some workplaces. [1][2]
Why It Matters
Certain PFAS are linked to increased cholesterol, liver and immune effects, and developmental impacts; PFOA (a related PFAS) is carcinogenic to humans. [1][3][4]
Who Is at Risk
Workers making or applying fluorinated coatings; people living near contaminated water sources; pregnant people, infants, and children. [1][2][3]
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free/“fluorine‑free” repellents and textiles; ventilate and damp‑dust or HEPA‑vacuum; check local water results and consider certified activated carbon or reverse‑osmosis filters; follow workplace controls and PPE. [2][5]
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- [3]NTP. Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS (2016). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfoa
- [4]IARC Press Release 264: Carcinogenicity of PFOA and PFOS (2023). https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pr264_E.pdf
- [5]U.S. EPA. Drinking Water Treatment Technologies for PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/water-research/drinking-water-treatment-technologies-addressing-pfas