Where It Comes From
Made for industrial and consumer uses such as paints, floor polishes, and stain‑resistant treatments; releases can occur during manufacturing, use, and disposal [2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near contaminated sites, indoor dust from treated carpets/upholstery, contact with treated products, and workplace air/skin exposure [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in people; most people have detectable PFAS in their blood. Some related PFAS (e.g., PFOA) cause cancer, and PFAS exposure is linked to immune effects, higher cholesterol, liver and developmental effects [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers making/using fluorochemicals, firefighters using foams, people in communities with PFAS‑impacted water, pregnant people, and bottle‑fed infants [1][6].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check your water quality; if PFAS are present, consider certified filters (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58). Choose PFAS‑free/“fluorine‑free” products, avoid optional stain‑resistant treatments, reduce dust with HEPA vacuuming and damp cleaning, and follow workplace protections [1][2][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]EPA. Understanding the Risks of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
- [3]CDC. National Biomonitoring—PFAS. https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html
- [4]IARC Monographs Vol. 135 (2023): PFOA (Group 1), PFOS (Group 2B). https://publications.iarc.fr/602
- [5]EPA. Reduce Your Exposure to PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/reduce-your-exposure-pfas
- [6]EPA. National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS (2024). https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas