Where It Comes From
Made and used in fluorochemical and polymer manufacturing; releases can occur via air emissions, wastewater, and spills. Related PFAS can form from this type of precursor [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Living or working near PFAS production or processing sites, drinking contaminated water, breathing or ingesting dust, or handling it in labs/industry [1][3][6].
Why It Matters
Long‑chain PFAS are linked to higher cholesterol, liver effects, reduced vaccine response, and developmental impacts; PFOA (a related PFAS) is classified as carcinogenic to humans [1][4][5].
Who Is at Risk
Fluorochemical workers, communities with contaminated groundwater, pregnant people, fetuses, and infants (including those fed breast milk when water is contaminated) [1][3][6].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Test private well water; use certified home filters designed to reduce PFAS (activated carbon or reverse osmosis); follow local fish advisories; reduce indoor dust; and follow workplace controls and PPE guidance [2][3][6].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]EPA. Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
- [3]ATSDR/CDC. PFAS and Private Wells: Testing and Treating. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/pfas-in-private-wells.html
- [4]NTP. Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to PFOA and PFOS. 2016. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/ohat/pfoa_pfos/PFOA_PFOS_Monograph_508.pdf
- [5]IARC. PFOA classified carcinogenic to humans (Monographs Vol. 135). 2023. https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-pfoa-and-pfos-2023/
- [6]CDC/NIOSH. PFAS in the Workplace. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/pfas/