Where It Comes From
Made/used in repellents, AFFF, metal plating, paper, and textiles; now found in water, soil, and sludge due to its persistence [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking contaminated tap or well water; eating contaminated fish/food; indoor dust from treated carpets/fabrics; workplace air or skin contact [1].
Why It Matters
Less bioaccumulative than some PFAS but may affect thyroid hormones, liver, kidneys, and development at sufficient doses. EPA’s 2024 drinking‑water rule includes PFBS via a PFAS Hazard Index [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
People near PFAS manufacturing/plating, landfills, or AFFF sites; private‑well users; firefighters and certain industrial workers; pregnant people, fetuses, and infants using formula mixed with contaminated water [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water results; use NSF/ANSI 53 (carbon) or 58 (reverse osmosis) filters certified for PFAS; follow fish advisories; limit stain‑resistant/water‑repellent products; follow workplace protections [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (Final Rule). 2024. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/epas-pfas-national-primary-drinking-water-regulation