Potassium perfluorooctanoate

Fluoropolymer manufacturing and processing aids; industrial discharges, air emissions, and landfill leachate; legacy use in stain‑/water‑resistant coatings and related wastes [1][2].

Drinking contaminated water, eating fish or food from affected areas, indoor dust from treated products, and workplace exposure in fluorochemical production or firefighting [1][2][4].

PFOA stays in the body for years and is associated with higher cholesterol, liver changes, reduced vaccine response (immune effects), pregnancy‑induced hypertension, small decreases in birth weight, and certain cancers (kidney, testicular) [1][3].

People using private wells near manufacturing sites, airports/bases, or landfills; workers handling PFAS; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][2][4].

Test well water; use certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters; follow local fish advisories; choose PFAS‑free products; reduce dust (HEPA vacuum, wet‑wiping); follow workplace controls/PPE [2][4][5].