BLUF

New research has found that manufactured chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), can be transmitted in the air, which could become a significant risk due to the amount of time we are now spending indoors.

Summary

 

Researchers tested indoor air and detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) 'forever chemicals'. The airborne compounds are thought to break off PFAS treated products and attach to dust or freely float through indoor environments. PFAS are widely used in textiles, carpeting, floor waxes, non-stick cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, firefighting foam and much more. PFAS are dubbed 'forever chemicals' because they do not naturally break down. As a result, they have been linked to cancer, congenital disabilities, liver disease, thyroid disease, decreased immunity, hormone disruption and a range of other serious health problems.

One of the most significant workplace risks may turn out to be what we breathe in. Understanding PFAS risk could help facilitate the development of mitigation strategies to make our homes and workplaces healthier.

Learn how PFAS compounds may be contaminating the air inside our offices, homes and work areas

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