Where It Comes From
Repellency treatments for textiles, leather, paper/cardboard coatings, paints, and floor finishes; can be present as residuals or released during production [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Indoor dust and air from treated carpets, furniture, and clothing; skin contact with treated surfaces; drinking water near PFAS facilities; workplace handling [1][2].
Why It Matters
Very persistent; related PFAS are linked to higher cholesterol, immune effects, developmental harms, and cancer (PFOA) [1][2][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
PFAS manufacturing/finishing workers; pregnant people; infants and young children (dust ingestion); communities near production or waste sites [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free or “no stain‑resistant” products; damp‑dust and HEPA‑vacuum; limit use of grease‑resistant packaging; check local water; use certified RO or activated‑carbon filters for PFAS [1][2][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained: Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. 2023–2024.
- [3]IARC Monographs Vol. 134. Some Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFOA: Group 1). 2023.
- [4]NTP Monograph. Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS in Humans. 2016.
- [5]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health: Reducing Exposure and Drinking Water Guidance. 2022–2024.