Where It Comes From
Metal plating mist suppressants, AFFF firefighting foams, semiconductor/photo processing, and water‑ or stain‑repellent treatments; releases can contaminate soil and water [1][5].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated fish/food, indoor dust, and living/working near airports, military bases, plating shops, or waste sites [1][3].
Why It Matters
PFOS stays in people for years (half‑life ~4–5 years) and is linked to higher cholesterol, liver and thyroid changes, reduced vaccine response, and some pregnancy complications; PFOS is possibly carcinogenic (IARC Group 2B). EPA’s drinking‑water MCL for PFOS is 4 ppt [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Infants and fetuses (placental and milk transfer), private well users in affected areas, workers using AFFF or PFOS in plating/industry, and communities near contaminated sites [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use NSF/ANSI 53 or 58–certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis), follow local water/fish advisories, clean dust with wet methods, and choose PFAS‑free products [2][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS: Final Rule. Environmental Protection Agency, 2024.
- [3]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health (incl. ToxFAQs for Perfluoroalkyls). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ATSDR, 2022–2024.
- [4]IARC. Monographs Volume 135: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2023.
- [5]WHO. PFOS and PFOA in Drinking-water: Background document. World Health Organization, 2022.