Where It Comes From
Made for industrial coatings and treatments in textiles, paper/packaging, electronics, and other water‑/oil‑repellent uses [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Mainly at work during manufacturing or high‑heat processing (dust/fumes). The public may encounter treated products, indoor dust, or PFAS in water/air near facilities [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS can build up in people; some (like PFOA) are linked to immune, liver, cholesterol, and cancer risks. Overheated fluoropolymers can emit hydrogen fluoride and ultrafine particles that cause “polymer fume fever” [1][3][4][5].
Who Is at Risk
Fluoropolymer production/coating workers; people using high heat on fluoropolymer‑coated items without good ventilation; pet birds are very sensitive to fumes [3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use moderate heat and ventilation with nonstick/fluoropolymer‑coated items; avoid damaged cookware; choose PFAS‑free products when feasible; at work, use local exhaust, PPE, and follow safety data sheets and hygiene practices [1][2][3][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]EPA. Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
- [3]International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/ILO). Polytetrafluoroethylene (ICSC 0901). https://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.display?p_card_id=0901
- [4]IARC Monographs Vol. 135. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). 2023. https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans/Perfluorooctanoic-Acid-Pfoa-And-Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic-Acid-Pfos-2023
- [5]ATSDR. Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) and Hydrofluoric Acid ToxFAQs. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts11.pdf