Where It Comes From
Made for coatings, cleaners, textiles, paper, and other industrial processes; can enter air, dust, and wastewater during production, use, and disposal [2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near contaminated sites; indoor dust from treated carpets and upholstery; using stain‑ or water‑repellent products; workplace air or skin contact in manufacturing or firefighting [1][2].
Why It Matters
PFAS persist and can build up in the body; linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response, liver and thyroid effects, and pregnancy impacts; some PFAS (e.g., PFOA) are linked to cancer [1][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS or firefighting foams; people near facilities, airports, or contaminated wells; pregnant people, infants (placenta and breast milk); communities eating fish from polluted waters [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water reports; use certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis) that reduce PFAS; wet‑dust and ventilate; choose PFAS‑free products; follow workplace PPE and hygiene to avoid take‑home contamination [2][1].
References
- [1]ATSDR/CDC. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS: Human Health and Environmental Effects and Reducing Exposure. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- [3]IARC Monographs Vol. 131 (2023). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) classification. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/