Where It Comes From
Production/use of water- and stain‑repellent treatments, metal plating, and firefighting foams; releases to air, wastewater, and sludge [2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near contaminated sites, household dust from treated carpets/upholstery, food contact materials, and workplace air/skin for firefighters and industry workers [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS exposure is linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response, liver effects, and pregnancy‑related high blood pressure; some PFAS (like PFOA) cause cancer in humans [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
People using contaminated private wells; communities near airports, military bases, or PFAS facilities; firefighters and PFAS‑industry workers; pregnant people, fetuses, and infants [1][2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Test well water; use NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis); follow fish advisories; vacuum with a HEPA filter; choose products without “stain‑resistant” or “PFAS/PFC” claims; follow workplace safety controls [1][2][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR/CDC. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas
- [2]U.S. EPA. Learn About PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- [3]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS) (2021). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [4]IARC Monographs Vol. 135 (2023): PFOA (Group 1), PFOS (Group 2B). https://monographs.iarc.who.int/monographs-135
- [5]U.S. EPA. Home Water Treatment Options for PFAS (2023). https://www.epa.gov/pfas/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-and-pfos#home-treatment