FREE Case Review (866) 588-0600

Are PFAS Absorbed Through the Skin?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are found in hundreds of everyday consumer products such as cookware, clothing, cosmetics and firefighting foams, can enter your body if you breathe air, eat food or drink water containing them.
Awards & recognition
C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
Free Confidential Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help. Please click the button below for a Free Case Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.

Start My Free Case Review

Can You Absorb PFAS Through Your Skin?

Based on the available scientific data, small amounts of PFAS can enter your body from skin contacting water that has been contaminated with the substances. Additionally, most PFAS do not evaporate into the air from water readily. Therefore, showering, bathing, or washing dishes in water containing PFAS may increase exposure.

Related Article: PFAS Lawsuit Update

Where Do PFAS Accumulate in the Body?

Recent studies have found that lung tissues typically accumulate the highest concentration of PFAS. However, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have also been found to build up in liver and bone tissue.

How Do I Lower PFAS in My Blood?

Regular blood or plasma donation may reduce PFAS levels in blood serum, according to findings published recently in JAMA Open Network [1].

For the study, investigators in Australia randomly assigned 285 firefighters with a PFOS serum level of 5 ng/mL to donate blood, and plasma or be observed for 12 months. Patients in the plasma group donated every 6 weeks, while patients in the blood group donated every 12 weeks.

At the end of the study period, patients in the plasma group saw a 2.9 ng/mL decrease in the mean PFOS level, while patients in the blood donation group had an average decrease of 1.1 ng/mL; the mean PFOS level was unchanged in the observation group.

How Can I Excrete PFAS?

PFAS is primarily eliminated through the urine, with smaller amounts eliminated in feces and breast milk. The elimination half-life of PFAS compounds (the time it takes for the amount of PFAS in the body to be reduced by 50%) is shorter in females than in males.

Does Sweating Remove PFAS?

Perspiration induced from exercise and other physical activities has not been found to remove any of the common PFAS — PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), or PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) — from the human body.

Does Everyone’s Blood Have PFAS?

PFAS are dangerous because they don’t break down easily and can stay in the environment and in the human body for a long time (months or even years). Studies have found them worldwide at very low levels in just about everyone’s blood.

Related Articles:

See all related product liability lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

Choose our lawyers

Have you or a loved one been unreasonably injured by a dangerous or defective consumer product?

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one was injured by PFAS contamination, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

Verified 100% Secure SiteTo contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 588-0600.