Where It Comes From
Byproducts of fluoropolymer manufacturing and degradation of other PFAS; detected in surface waters, sediments, fish, and human serum worldwide. [1][2][3]
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near PFAS sources; eating fish and seafood; indoor dust; and exposure through maternal transfer (cord blood, breast milk). [2][3]
Why It Matters
Animal studies suggest liver and kidney effects, immune changes, and developmental toxicity; human biomonitoring shows widespread detection, but health data are limited compared to PFOA/PFOS. [1][3][4]
Who Is at Risk
Populations near PFAS facilities, communities with contaminated water or seafood, infants and children due to maternal transfer, and subsistence fishing communities. [2][3]
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow local advisories for drinking water and fish; use NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified filters to reduce PFAS; avoid optional stain- or water-resistant consumer products when possible. [2][5]
References
- [1]OECD. Reconciling Terminology of the Universe of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs), 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2024.
- [3]Glynn A, et al. Perfluorinated alkyl acids in blood serum from primiparous women in Sweden: Serial sampling during pregnancy and nursing, 2012.
- [4]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2021.
- [5]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health: If PFAS are in your drinking water. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ATSDR, 2022.