Where It Comes From
Industrial use of PFAS-based surfactants and coatings; releases from manufacturing sites, wastewater, and waste disposal areas [2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water, food (especially fish/shellfish), indoor dust, and on-the-job contact in PFAS-related industries [1][2].
Why It Matters
Similar PFAS can reduce vaccine antibody response, raise cholesterol, and affect liver enzymes; PFOA (a related PFAS) is carcinogenic to humans [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS; people using private wells near contaminated sites; pregnant people, infants, and those with high fish consumption [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
If on a private well, test for PFAS; use certified filters (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, e.g., activated carbon or reverse osmosis); follow local fish advisories; reduce indoor dust; choose PFAS-free products when possible [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls. 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained and Reducing Exposure (including home filtration). 2024. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [3]IARC. PFOA classified carcinogenic to humans (Group 1); PFOS possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B). 2023. https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-pfoa-and-pfos/
- [4]NTP. Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS in Humans and Animals. 2016. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfoa/index.html