Where It Comes From
Stain‑, water‑, and oil‑repellent treatments for textiles, carpets, upholstery, leather, paper/packaging, and some industrial coatings [2].
How You Are Exposed
Indoor dust from treated items; skin contact with treated fabrics; drinking water or food contaminated by PFAS; workplace air and surfaces during manufacturing or application [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS are very persistent; some breakdown products build up in people and are linked to immune effects, higher cholesterol, liver changes, developmental effects, and certain cancers (e.g., PFOA and kidney/testicular) [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS; people near production sites or contaminated water; pregnant people, infants, and children; households with many stain‑resistant goods [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose PFAS‑free/untreated products; limit aftermarket “waterproofing” sprays; reduce dust with HEPA vacuuming and wet mopping; check water reports and use certified filters (activated carbon, ion‑exchange, or reverse osmosis) that reduce PFAS [1][2][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained: Uses, Health, and Environmental Risks. epa.gov/pfas.
- [3]NTP. Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS in Humans. NTP Monograph, 2016.
- [4]IARC. Carcinogenicity of PFOA and PFOS. IARC Monographs Vol. 135, 2023.
- [5]U.S. EPA. Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water with Home Treatment (GAC, RO, Ion Exchange). epa.gov/pfas.