Where It Comes From
Produced for fluorochemical manufacturing (telomer chemistry) and may be released from facilities or from degradation of related PFAS in products [2][5].
How You Are Exposed
Most exposure is near PFAS production or use sites, through contaminated drinking water, indoor dust from treated textiles/carpets, and workplace air/skin contact [1][2].
Why It Matters
Data for this exact compound are limited, but some long‑chain PFAS are linked to increased cholesterol, immune and developmental effects; PFOA (a related PFAS) is classified carcinogenic to humans by IARC [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Fluorochemical workers; people using private wells near plants or firefighting training sites; pregnant people, fetuses, and infants [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Test your water; use certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters shown to reduce many PFAS; follow local fish/water advisories; limit use of stain‑ and water‑resistant treatments; use HEPA vacuuming to reduce dust; follow workplace safety controls [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health (ToxFAQs and related resources).
- [2]U.S. EPA. Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS.
- [3]U.S. EPA. Technical Fact Sheet: PFOA and PFOS (treatment with GAC/RO/IX).
- [4]IARC Monographs Vol. 145 (2023): Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – carcinogenic to humans.
- [5]U.S. EPA. Long‑Chain Perfluoroalkyl Carboxylate and Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonate Action Plan (uses of telomer-based PFAS).