White Paper

PFAS and Human Health

A State-of-the-Science Report to Assist in the Understanding of Human Exposures to PFAS and Related Health Concerns

What's Inside

Most people have some form of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood, particularly PFOS and PFOA. While evidence indicates that exposure to certain PFAS are associated with human health effects, the available information focuses primarily on a small subset of the 4,000+ compounds.

This white paper provides a brief summary of the state of knowledge surrounding PFAS and human health, identifies the gaps in understanding we still face and recommends steps needed to fill these gaps.

PFAS Exposure

Populations are exposed to PFAS through numerous pathways, including ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation as a result of exposures to a variety of substances containing PFAS, such as food, water, dust, soil and consumer products.

Biomarkers of Exposure

Understanding exposures to harmful chemicals and relationships between exposures and health effects is often best accomplished using biomarkers. The primary biomarker of PFAS exposure in humans is serum or whole-blood PFAS concentration.

Health Outcomes

Considerable epidemiological research has been conducted to understand the possible adverse health effects of PFAS in humans. That includes immunological, developmental or reproductive, hepatic, hormonal and carcinogenic effects.

Next Frontiers

There is still progress to be made in the scientific community to fully understand the exposures to and health effects from PFAS. Closing these gaps in our understanding of these issues is paramount to helping to protect human health.