How can you be exposed to PFAS?
PFAS persists in the environment and are used widely in many industry processes and consumer products. Surveys conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that most people in the United States have had some exposure to PFAS. In most cases these exposures are low, but when individuals are exposed to a concentrated source over a long time period, these levels may be higher. Since PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, this is a concern for human health.
There are a variety of ways that people may be exposed to PFAS:
- Working in occupations such as fire fighting or chemicals manufacturing and processing.
- Drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
- Eating certain foods that may contain PFAS, including fish.
- Swallowing contaminated soil or dust.
- Breathing air that contains PFAS.
- Using products made with PFAS or that are packaged in materials containing PFAS.
Certain People May Have Higher Exposure to PFAS
Adults
Depending on your occupation or where you live, you may have higher exposures to PFAS than others. For example:
- Industrial workers who are involved in making or processing PFAS or PFAS-containing materials, or people who live or recreate near PFAS-producing facilities, may have greater exposure to PFAS.
- Pregnant and lactating women tend to drink more water per pound of body weight than the average person and as a result they may have higher PFAS exposure compared to other people if it is present in their drinking water.
Children
Children may be more sensitive to the negative effects of chemicals like PFAS because they are still developing. They can also have higher exposure than adults because:
- Children drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, which can increase their exposure to PFAS.
- Young children crawl on floors and put things in their mouths, which leads to a higher risk of exposure to PFAS in dust, toys, carpets, and cleaning products.
- Breast milk from mothers with PFAS in their blood and formula made with water containing PFAS can expose infants to PFAS, and it may also be possible for children to be exposed in utero during pregnancy. Scientists continue to do research in this area. Based on current science, the benefits of breastfeeding appear to outweigh the risks for infants exposed to PFAS in breast milk. To weigh the risks and benefits of breastfeeding, mothers should contact their doctors.
How Can I limit My Exposure?
Drinking water
Food
- Follow recommended fish eating guidelines.
- Reduce or limit the amount of fast food, microwave popcorn, and takeout you eat. The packaging may contain PFAS.
- Reduce or limit your use of non-stick cookware. Stainless steel or cast iron are good PFAS-free alternatives.
- Wash fruits, vegetables and hands well before eating.
In your home
- Choose furniture and carpets that are not labeled “stain-resistant,” and don’t apply stain resistant treatments to items.
- Check product labels for ingredients that include the words “fluoro” and “perfluoro” and don’t use them.
- Household dust can contain PFAS that was shed from items that have PFAS in them. Vacuum often to pick up dust.
- Replace or remove worn products with newer, PFAS-free items.