Where It Comes From
Fluoropolymer (e.g., PTFE) manufacturing aid; releases from industrial waste, firefighting foams, and treated products [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near plants or bases, fish from contaminated waters, indoor dust, and workplaces; it can cross the placenta and enter breast milk [1][2].
Why It Matters
Persists and builds up; linked to higher cholesterol, lower vaccine response, liver changes, pregnancy‑induced hypertension, and lower birth weight; PFOA is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen (kidney/testicular) [1][3][5].
Who Is at Risk
Fluoropolymer workers; communities near PFAS facilities or firefighting training sites; pregnant people, fetuses, infants, and high fish consumers [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use alternate water or certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis), follow fish advisories, choose PFAS‑free/stain‑resistant‑free products, wet‑mop/HEPA vacuum dust, and follow workplace PFAS controls [1][2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS: Basic Information and Health Effects. 2022–2024.
- [3]IARC. Monographs Vol 131 Press Release: PFOA carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). 2023.
- [4]U.S. EPA. National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS (PFOA MCL = 4 ppt). 2024.
- [5]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity Associated with PFOA or PFOS. 2016.