Where It Comes From
Production and use in surface treatments, processing aids, and performance coatings; releases can occur from manufacturing, product use, and waste streams [2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near PFAS facilities or firefighting foam sites, indoor dust, some treated consumer goods, and occupational settings [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in people; some are linked to higher cholesterol, immune effects (reduced vaccine response), liver and thyroid changes, pregnancy‑related hypertension, and, for PFOA, cancer [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS or AFFF, communities near plants, airports, and military bases, pregnant people, infants, and those using contaminated private wells [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Test your water; use certified GAC or reverse‑osmosis filters; follow local fish advisories; choose PFAS‑free products; minimize AFFF use and cleanup carefully; wet‑wipe/HEPA‑vacuum dust; wash hands before eating [2][5][6][7].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- [3]IARC. Monographs Volume 134: PFOA (Group 1) and PFOS (Group 2B). 2023. https://publications.iarc.fr/604
- [4]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS. 2016. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfoa
- [5]ATSDR/CDC. Reduce Your Exposure to PFAS. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/reduce-exposure.html
- [6]CDC/NIOSH. PFAS and Fire Fighters. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/pfas.html
- [7]U.S. EPA. Drinking Water Treatment Technologies for Removing PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/water-research/drinking-water-treatment-technologies-removing-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas