Where It Comes From
Made and used for stain-, water-, and grease-resistant treatments on textiles, paper, and industrial goods; some AFFF firefighting foams. Considered part of EPA’s long‑chain PFAS group (C6–C20) [2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking contaminated water (near plants, airports, landfills), eating fish/wildlife from affected waters, contact with treated products, or workplace use in PFAS manufacturing, metal plating, and firefighting [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS exposure is linked to reduced vaccine response, higher cholesterol, liver effects, and lower infant birth weight; some PFAS (like PFOA) cause cancer in humans [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS or AFFF; communities near PFAS facilities or training sites; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water advisories; use certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters; follow fish advisories; choose PFAS‑free stain/water‑resistant products; limit AFFF use and follow safety guidance [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained; Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water; Long‑Chain PFAS (LCPFAC) Significant New Use Rule. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2020–2024.
- [3]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS). National Toxicology Program, 2016.
- [4]IARC. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). IARC Monographs, Volume 135, 2023.