Where It Comes From
Manufacturing and use of water/oil‑repellent treatments, treated carpets and fabrics, leather, paper/food packaging, and paints/coatings [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Indoor air and dust from treated products, spray application indoors, contaminated drinking water near plants or firefighting sites, some foods, and workplace air/skin contact [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
PFAS exposure is linked to higher cholesterol, liver and thyroid changes, reduced vaccine antibody response, and pregnancy‑induced hypertension; some PFAS (e.g., PFOA) cause cancer in humans [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling fluorinated coatings; people near manufacturing, contaminated water, or firefighting training areas; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free or untreated textiles and paper; avoid or minimize use of stain‑repellent sprays (use outdoors/ventilate); clean with HEPA vacuum and wet dusting; check water reports and use certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters; follow local fish advisories [2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS), 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS information and Drinking Water Regulation, 2024.
- [3]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health (Exposure/Protection).
- [4]IARC Monographs Volume 131. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), 2023.