How to Prevent PFAS Exposure

At a glance

  • There are several ways you can be exposed to PFAS in your food, water, and environment.
  • Ingesting PFAS-contaminated water, food, and dust can expose you to PFAS. Specifically, young children may be more likely to get PFAS in their bodies because they tend to chew on toys and fabrics and often put their hands into their mouths.
  • Children and people whose work involves PFAS can be exposed to PFAS in different ways than the general population.
Little boy drinking a glass of water

Exposure

You can be exposed to PFAS by:

  • Drinking water from PFAS-contaminated municipal sources or private wells.
  • Eating fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS (PFOS, in particular).
  • Accidentally swallowing or breathing contaminated soil or dust.
  • Eating food (meat, dairy, and vegetables) produced near places where PFAS were used or made.
  • Eating food packaged in material that contains PFAS.
  • Accidentally swallowing residue or dust from consumer products containing PFAS, such as stain-resistant carpeting and water-repellent clothing.

Ingesting residue and dust from consumer products that contain PFAS is another way people are exposed to PFAS. Research has suggested that exposure to PFOA and PFOS from today's consumer products is generally lower than exposures from PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Some products that might contain PFAS include:

  • Stain-resistant carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.
  • Water-resistant clothing.
  • Cleaning products.
  • Personal care products and cosmetics (such as shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup).
  • Paints, varnishes, and sealants.

Populations

Children

Young children may be more likely to get PFAS in their bodies because they tend to chew on toys and fabrics and often put their hands into their mouths. Children can also be exposed by:

  • Drinking formula mixed with PFAS-contaminated water.
  • Drinking breastmilk from persons exposed to PFAS.
    • Breastfeeding – PFAS can be found in human breast milk. Clinicians can assist patients in deciding whether to breastfeed based on factors specific to the patient and the child. Due to the many benefits of breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that most nursing people continue to breastfeed. For more information, please visit PFAS and Breastfeeding.
Mother holding newborn baby when calling doctor's office
Because PFAS can be found in human breast milk, clinicians can assist patients in deciding whether to breastfeed.

Workers

People whose work involves the making or processing of PFAS and materials that contain PFAS are more likely to be exposed than the general population. Workers may be exposed by touching or swallowing PFAS or PFAS-containing materials or by breathing in associated dust, aerosols, or fumes. For more information on worker exposures, please visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health PFAS webpage.

Print
Content Source:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry