The RIVM has mapped human exposure to PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) through products such as clothing, personal care products, and furniture upholstery. Exposure via the living environment, such as indoor air and house dust, was also examined.
Water-repellent clothing, such as rain and ski wear, are examples of sources of PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The textile sector uses a lot of PFAS. It is especially important to investigate this exposure in young children, as they sometimes suck or bite on clothing. People can also inhale PFAS when using impregnation and lubricant sprays. Furthermore, researchers say that a very small portion of personal care products may contribute to PFAS exposure. Finally, people also come into contact with PFAS through house dust and indoor air.
How much these sources contribute to total exposure will still be investigated by the RIVM. The RIVM conducted this research to understand how human exposure in the Netherlands can be reduced. Exposure through food and drinking water has been studied earlier. Exposure through work and emissions from industry to the environment were outside the scope of this research.
The RIVM is researching ways to ensure that people in the Netherlands come into contact with less PFAS. This research program runs from 2023 through 2026.
