The per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Fluoropolymer coatings can be in a variety of products. These include clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire. Many PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are a concern because they do not break down in the environment, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources, and build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife.
PFAS are found in rivers and lakes and in many types of animals on land in the water.
How can I be exposed to PFAS?
PFAS contamination may be in drinking water, food, indoor dust, some consumer products, and workplaces. Most non-worker exposures occur through drinking contaminated water or eating food that contains PFAS.
Although some types of PFAS are no longer used, some products may still contain PFAS: - Food packaging materials - Nonstick cookware - Stain-resistant carpet treatments - Water-resistant clothing - Cleaning products - Paints, varnishes, and sealants - Firefighting foam - Some cosmetics
How can I reduce my exposure to PFAS?
PFAS are present at low levels in some food products and in the environment (air, water, soil, etc.), so you probably cannot prevent PFAS exposure altogether. However, if you live near known sources of PFAS contamination, you can take steps to reduce your risk of exposure.
If your drinking water contains PFAS above the EPA Lifetime Health Advisory, consider using an alternative or treated water source for any activity in which you might swallow water: - Drinking - Food preparation - Cooking - Brushing teeth - Preparing infant formula
Check for fish advisories for water bodies where you fish: - Follow advisories that tell people to stop or limit eating fish from waters contaminated with PFAS or other compounds. - Research has shown the benefits of eating fish, so continue to eat fish from safe sources as part of your healthy diet.
Read consumer product labels and avoid using those with PFAS.
How can PFAS affect people's health?
Some scientific studies suggest that certain PFAS may affect different systems in the body. NCEH/ATSDR is working with various partners to better understand how exposure to PFAS might affect people’s health— especially how exposure to PFAS in water and food may be harmful. Although more research is needed, research involving humans suggests that high levels of certain PFAS may lead to the following: - Increased cholesterol levels - Changes in liver enzymes - Decreased vaccine response in children - Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women - Small decreases in infant birth weights - Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
At this time, scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposures to mixtures of PFAS.
How can I learn more?
You can visit the following websites for more information:
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