Where It Comes From
PFAS-treated textiles and papers, industrial coatings, and some firefighting foams; releases from manufacturing, use, and waste/cleanup sites [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near contaminated facilities or fire-training areas; indoor dust; contact with treated products; some foods (fish, game) [1][3].
Why It Matters
Very persistent; accumulates in blood. Studies of PFHxS and related PFAS link exposure with higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response, thyroid changes, and developmental effects; EPA now regulates several PFAS in drinking water [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
People with PFAS-impacted water, workers using AFFF or PFAS coatings, pregnant people, infants, and children [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow local water advisories; consider alternative water or filters certified to reduce PFAS; heed fish/foam advisories; wet-dust/HEPA vacuum; choose products without stain-repellent PFAS [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. Final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS. 2024. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/epas-pfas-npdwr
- [3]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html