Where It Comes From
Used in surface treatments, sealants, coatings, and treated textiles, glass, and stone; can shed to air, dust, or water during manufacturing, use, or disposal [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Applying waterproofing sprays, contact with treated goods, indoor dust, or drinking water near production or waste sites [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in people; exposure to some PFAS is associated with higher cholesterol, immune effects (reduced vaccine response), developmental effects, and certain cancers (e.g., PFOA). Health risks vary by compound, so precaution is advised [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers making or applying PFAS products; people using spray repellents indoors; communities near fluorochemical plants or contaminated water; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free repellents and finishes; avoid spray waterproofers with “fluoro‑” ingredients; reduce dust (HEPA vacuum, wet dusting); if water may be impacted, consider certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters and check local water reports [1][2].
References
- [1]U.S. 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
- [2]ATSDR/CDC. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
- [3]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to PFOA or PFOS (2016). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/ongoing/immune-pfoa_pfosa-508.pdf