Where It Comes From
Manufacture/use of water-, oil-, and stain‑repellent coatings, metal plating, firefighting foams, and other PFAS-treated goods; industrial wastewater and product wear [2][3].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking contaminated water, eating fish from polluted waters, indoor dust, contact with treated textiles/packaging, and workplace exposures [1][2].
Why It Matters
Some PFAS are linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response, thyroid and liver changes, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, and certain cancers; they can remain in the body for years [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
People with PFAS‑impacted drinking water, workers at fluorochemical, plating, textile, paper, or AFFF-use sites, pregnant people and infants, and those who eat a lot of locally caught fish [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water quality; use activated carbon or reverse‑osmosis filters certified to reduce PFAS; choose PFAS‑free cookware/textiles/packaging; wet‑dust and HEPA vacuum; follow fish advisories; use workplace PPE and hygiene [2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [3]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/