Where It Comes From
Industrial production of fluorinated surfactants and coatings; present as intermediates/impurities in AFFF foams and treated textiles/paper; releases from manufacturing and product breakdown [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking contaminated water near PFAS facilities, airports, or fire training sites; indoor dust from treated carpets/upholstery; some foods and fish; workplace inhalation/skin contact [1][2].
Why It Matters
Many PFAS are linked with higher cholesterol, liver and thyroid changes, reduced vaccine response, and developmental effects; PFOA is carcinogenic to humans [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
PFAS workers and firefighters; communities using contaminated private wells; people eating locally caught fish from affected waters; pregnant people, infants, and children [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use certified PFAS‑reducing water filters (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) if needed; follow fish advisories; reduce stain‑resistant sprays/treatments; wet‑dust and use a HEPA vacuum; follow workplace protections [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. Technical Fact Sheet – Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). https://www.epa.gov/fedfac/technical-fact-sheet-perfluorooctane-sulfonate-pfos-and-perfluorooctanoic-acid
- [3]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity Associated with PFOA and PFOS. 2016. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/immune
- [4]IARC. Monographs Volume 135: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). 2023. https://publications.iarc.fr/604