Where It Comes From
Made for stain-, grease-, and water‑resistant coatings on textiles, paper/packaging, and industrial surfactants; acts as a PFAS precursor in these supply chains [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water impacted by industrial discharges or waste; contact with treated carpets, fabrics, and some food packaging; indoor dust; workplace exposure in fluorochemical manufacturing and finishing [1][2].
Why It Matters
Some PFAS raise cholesterol, reduce vaccine antibody response, and are linked to pregnancy and developmental effects; certain PFAS (e.g., PFOA) are associated with kidney and testicular cancers [1][3]. This telomer can transform to perfluoroalkyl acids (e.g., PFOA/PFNA); acrylamide used in production is itself probably carcinogenic [1][4].
Who Is at Risk
People relying on contaminated wells or systems, pregnant people, infants/children, and exposed workers [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check local water results; use a home filter certified to reduce PFAS (e.g., activated carbon or reverse osmosis) or alternate water; limit stain/grease‑resistant treatments; clean with HEPA/wet methods; follow workplace controls and hygiene [2][1].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
- [2]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
- [3]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS. 2016. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfoa
- [4]IARC. Acrylamide, Group 2A. IARC Monographs (Vol. 100F). https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-on-the-Identification-of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-to-Humans/Chemical-Agents-and-Related-Occupations-2012