Where It Comes From
Made during fluorochemical manufacturing; present in oil- and water‑repellent coatings, surfactants, and surface treatments; releases can occur during production, use, and disposal [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water near contaminated sites, food and food packaging, indoor dust, and some workplaces (fluorochemical plants, textile/leather treatment, metal plating) [1][2][5].
Why It Matters
PFAS exposure is linked to immune effects (reduced vaccine response), increased cholesterol, liver and developmental effects; PFOA (a related PFAS) causes cancer in humans [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling PFAS, firefighters using AFFF, people living near factories, airports, or military bases, pregnant people and infants relying on formula mixed with contaminated water [1][2][5].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water reports; consider NSF/ANSI-certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis) for PFAS; follow fish advisories; reduce use of stain- or water‑repellent products labeled “fluoro,” “PTFE,” or “perfluoro”; damp dust/HEPA vacuum; follow workplace safety practices [2][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (2021). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- [3]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS (2016). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfoa
- [4]IARC. Monographs Vol. 131: PFOA and PFOS (2023). https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans/Perfluorooctanoic-Acid-PFOA-And-Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic-Acid-PFOS-2023
- [5]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html