Where It Comes From
Used in making fluoropolymers and water‑/stain‑resistant coatings; also forms from breakdown of related PFAS. Found in air, water, soil, dust, and fish near industrial sources [1][4].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water, eating contaminated fish or game, indoor dust, some treated consumer products, and certain workplaces (fluorochemical manufacturing, metal plating) [1][2][4].
Why It Matters
PFNA persists and bioaccumulates. Studies associate PFAS including PFNA with increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, reduced vaccine antibody response, and lower birth weight [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
People with PFAS‑contaminated drinking water, those living near or working at PFAS facilities, high consumers of locally caught fish, pregnant people, infants, and young children [1][2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water reports; consider NSF/ANSI‑certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters for PFAS; follow fish advisories; reduce use of stain‑resistant treatments; wet‑dust/HEPA‑vacuum regularly; prepare infant formula with filtered water if needed [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]EPA. National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS (Final Rule). 2024. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
- [3]ATSDR/CDC. PFAS and Your Health: Health Effects. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
- [4]CDC. Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA) Biomonitoring Summary. https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFNA_BiomonitoringSummary.html