Where It Comes From
Manufacture/use of repellents, specialty coatings, and aqueous film‑forming foams (AFFF); other industrial surfactants [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Contaminated drinking water, food and fish, indoor dust and treated goods; workplace exposure (firefighting, textiles/finishing, metal plating) [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
PFAS exposure has been linked to higher cholesterol, liver changes, reduced vaccine response, and developmental effects; some PFAS (e.g., PFOA) are linked to certain cancers [1][4].
Who Is at Risk
People near airports, fire‑training sites, or PFAS‑using industries; users of affected wells/water systems; exposed workers; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water results; consider certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters for PFAS; follow fish/foam advisories; choose PFAS‑free products; reduce dust (HEPA vacuuming) and wash hands before eating [2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS), 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained and Health/Exposure Information, 2023–2024.
- [3]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health (Exposure and Guidance), 2022–2024.
- [4]IARC. Monographs Vol. 131: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), 2023.