Where It Comes From
Industrial intermediate for fluoropolymers and stain-/water-/oil‑repellent coatings; releases may occur during manufacturing and processing. [2]
How You Are Exposed
Workplace air or skin contact; living near fluorochemical plants; drinking water, food, or indoor dust containing PFAS from treated products. [1][3]
Why It Matters
PFAS can remain in people and the environment for years; some long‑chain PFAS are linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response, liver and thyroid changes, lower birth weight, and certain cancers (e.g., PFOA). [1][4][5]
Who Is at Risk
Chemical workers; communities with PFAS‑contaminated drinking water; pregnant people, infants, and children (PFAS can cross the placenta and enter breast milk). [1][3]
How to Lower Your Exposure
If water is affected, use NSF‑certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters; follow local advisories; limit stain‑/water‑resistant products; clean dust with wet/HEPA methods; follow workplace controls and PPE. [2][3][6]
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (Perfluoroalkyl Substances), 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- [3]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/
- [4]NTP. Immunotoxicity Associated with PFOA and PFOS (Monograph), 2016.
- [5]IARC. Monographs Vol. 131: Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), 2023.
- [6]ATSDR. Reducing Exposure to PFAS in Drinking Water (e.g., home treatment options). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/notifications/index.html