What are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?
Detailed Description
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic organic compounds used in a variety of industries since the 1940s.
PFAS are soluble in water, colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
Recent studies have linked PFAS exposure to thyroid disease, immune system disruption, risk of cancer, and low birth weight.
Drinking water and consumer products are major pathways of human exposure to PFAS.
Starting with industry, PFAS can end up in aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs), the environment, consumer products, and waste infrastructure. These are pathways to human exposure and potential transfer of PFAS to infants through breast milk and cord blood.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.
Graphic modified from original graphic from Impact Science, commissioned by the U.S. Geological Survey. PFAS sources and exposure pathways flowchart modified from Sunderland and others (2019): Sunderland, E.M., Hu, X.C., Dassuncao, C., Tokranov, A.K., Wagner, C.C., and Allen, J.G., 2019, A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects: Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, v. 29, no. 2, p. 131–147, accessed October 13, 2021, at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1.