Where It Comes From
Manufactured for aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), metal plating, oil recovery, and surface-treatment products; it can transform into stable perfluoroalkyl acids over time [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near airports, military bases, or PFAS-using industries; indoor dust from treated textiles/carpets; certain workplaces; eating fish/wildlife from contaminated waters [1][2][4].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in people. Well-studied PFAS (like PFOA/PFOS) are associated with increased cholesterol, immune effects (reduced vaccine response), liver and developmental effects; data for this exact compound are limited [1][3].
Who Is at Risk
Pregnant people, infants/children (higher intake per body weight), firefighters and industrial workers, and residents using contaminated private wells [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water advisories; if PFAS are present, consider certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis) and alternate water sources; follow fish/game advisories; damp-dust and HEPA-vacuum; choose fewer stain-resistant treatments; workers should use PPE and follow safety practices [1][2][4][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). U.S. DHHS, 2021.
- [2]EPA. Sources and Exposure Pathways of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [3]NTP. Immunotoxicity Associated with PFOA and PFOS (NTP Monograph), 2016.
- [4]EPA. Addressing PFAS in Fish and Shellfish. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [5]EPA. What You Can Do to Reduce PFAS Exposure. https://www.epa.gov/pfas