Where It Comes From
Made for advanced industrial uses (e.g., coatings, electronics, membranes) as part of the broader PFAS group [2].
How You Are Exposed
Most people have low direct contact; potential exposure can occur via drinking water, air, or dust near PFAS manufacturing/processing sites, and household dust or products treated with PFAS [1][2].
Why It Matters
Health concerns for PFAS are mainly based on smaller PFAS (like PFOA/PFOS), which are linked to immune, cholesterol, liver, and developmental effects, and some cancers (PFOA) [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling fluoropolymers or PFAS; communities near industrial sources; pregnant people, infants/children; people consuming fish from PFAS‑contaminated waters [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local PFAS water advisories; consider certified filters (granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis) for drinking water; follow workplace controls/PPE; follow fish advisories; reduce use of unnecessary stain- or water‑resistant treatments [1][2][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS), 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. Learn About PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [3]IARC. PFOA classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), 2023. https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-the-carcinogenicity-of-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-tetrafluoroethylene-and-glycidyl-methacrylate/
- [4]U.S. EPA. Drinking Water Treatment Technologies for PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/drinking-water-treatment-technologies-pfas