Where It Comes From
Manufacturing and use in firefighting foams, metal‑plating mist suppressants, and stain‑ or water‑repellent coatings; releases from factories, product use, and disposal [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near facilities or training sites; indoor dust and treated textiles; eating contaminated fish; workplace inhalation or skin contact [1][2].
Why It Matters
Some PFAS build up in people; exposure to well‑studied PFAS is linked to higher cholesterol, immune effects (lower vaccine response), liver changes, pregnancy‑related hypertension, and certain cancers (e.g., PFOA) [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers using PFAS/AFFF; communities with contaminated water; pregnant people and infants (including formula mixed with contaminated water) [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Test your water; use filters that reduce PFAS (activated carbon, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis); follow fish advisories; damp‑dust/HEPA vacuum; avoid fluorinated stain‑repellent products; follow workplace controls/PPE [1][2][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/
- [2]EPA. Understanding the Risks of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
- [3]NTP. Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS (2016). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ntp/ohat/pfoa_pfos/monographpfoa_pfos_508.pdf
- [4]IARC. Carcinogenicity of PFAS (Press Release 2023). https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-the-carcinogenicity-of-perfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas/
- [5]EPA. Treating PFAS in Drinking Water. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/treating-pfas-drinking-water