Where It Comes From
Made/used as a wetting or leveling agent in fluorinated coatings, inks, and other processes; releases can occur during production, use, or disposal [2].
How You Are Exposed
Workers by skin or inhalation. Nearby residents via contaminated drinking water, surface water, or dust; consumer contact from treated surfaces is expected to be low [1][2].
Why It Matters
Very persistent; some PFAS build up in people. Exposure to well‑studied PFAS is linked to higher cholesterol, liver/thyroid changes, lower vaccine response, and some cancers [1][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS mixtures; people near fluorochemical plants, metal plating, or firefighting training sites; pregnant people, infants, and private‑well users nearby [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
If on a private well, test for PFAS; use NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 filters. Follow water/fish advisories. At work, use PPE and hygiene; wet‑wipe or HEPA‑vacuum dust [1][2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). U.S. DHHS, 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Learn about PFAS (uses, exposure, persistence). 2023–2024.
- [3]IARC. PFOA carcinogenic to humans (Group 1); PFOS possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B). Press Release 264, 2023.
- [4]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health: Reducing Exposure (private wells and certified filters). 2022–2024.