Where It Comes From
Made for fluorinated surfactants and surface treatments; PFAS are used in stain‑resistant textiles, paper/packaging, coatings, and some firefighting foams (AFFF) [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near industrial sites or airports, indoor dust from treated carpets/upholstery, some food contact materials, and workplace inhalation/skin contact during manufacture or use [1][2].
Why It Matters
Exposure to some PFAS is linked to higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine response (immune effects), liver enzyme changes, developmental effects, thyroid effects, and cancer for certain PFAS (e.g., PFOA). EPA has set strict drinking‑water limits for several PFAS [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS; people using contaminated private wells or affected water systems; pregnant people, fetuses, and infants; firefighters using AFFF [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water results; consider NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis); follow fish advisories; reduce use of stain‑resistant treatments; damp‑dust/HEPA‑vacuum; follow workplace PPE and hygiene guidance [2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (Addendum), 2021.
- [2]EPA. PFAS and Drinking Water: National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024) and PFAS Basics.
- [3]IARC. Press Release 264: PFOA (Group 1) and PFOS (Group 2B) carcinogenicity, 2023.
- [4]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health: Reduce Exposure (filters, advisories, dust).