Where It Comes From
Made for coatings, inks, floor polishes, and metal plating “mist suppressants”; releases can occur during manufacturing and use [2].
How You Are Exposed
Workplace air and skin contact; drinking water near facilities; indoor dust and treated products at home [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
PFAS exposure is linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response, and thyroid/liver effects; some PFAS (like PFOA) are linked to certain cancers [1][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS surfactants; people near PFAS production/uses or waste sites; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water results; consider NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis); limit stain‑resistant sprays; wet‑dust/HEPA vacuum; follow workplace PPE and hygiene [2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [3]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/
- [4]IARC Monographs. Evaluation of PFOA and PFOS (Vol. 135), 2023. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/