Where It Comes From
Manufacture and use of oil-/water‑repellent finishes; treated carpets, furniture, outdoor gear, auto interiors; wastes and landfills [2].
How You Are Exposed
Household dust from treated items, skin contact, food‑contact papers, and drinking water near plants, airports, or firefighting sites [1][2].
Why It Matters
Some breakdown products (e.g., PFOA, PFNA, PFHxA) are linked to immune effects, higher cholesterol, and liver/developmental harms; PFOA is carcinogenic to humans [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers making or applying fluorinated coatings, firefighters using foams, people near PFAS facilities or contaminated water, pregnant people and infants [1][2][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free/fluorine‑free products; skip optional stain‑resistant treatments; wet‑dust and use a HEPA vacuum; limit grease‑resistant packaging; check local water and use effective filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis); follow fish advisories [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained (uses, exposure, and drinking water actions). https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- [3]IARC. Monographs Volume 134 (2023): Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). https://monographs.iarc.who.int/
- [4]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to PFOA or PFOS. 2016. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfos-pfoa