PFASs in the General Population

Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been manufactured since the 1950s for use as surface protectants for textiles and leather treatment, as protection additives in food packaging and paper products, and in firefighting foams. Some PFASs are persistent in the environment and in people, and can be transported to remote regions. The main pathways of exposure to PFASs in humans include diet, drinking water, and indoor dust, but predictors of PFASs exposures are not clearly understood. Since 2002, changes in manufacturing practices appear to have reduced exposure to some of these PFASs both in the environment and in people,‑ but exposure to PFASs is still widespread. We review relevant research published up to the first quarter of 2014 to understand the demographic, geographic, and temporal differences that contribute to general population exposures to PFASs around the world. We also present data on exposures to PFASs in some vulnerable population groups (e.g., pregnant women, infants, young children).