PFAS and Autoimmunity: 51 Studies Reviewed

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are in nonstick pans, stain-resistant furniture treatments, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. And a growing body of research suggests they're quietly disrupting immune function. A 2026 review in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports found that PFAS exposure is linked to adverse pulmonary outcomes including asthma, allergies, infections, and cancer, with mounting evidence from human, animal, and in vitro studies.

What the Evidence Shows

PFAS contamination was once primarily studied through drinking water exposure, but recent research has identified PFAS as a component of air pollution. Studies found PFAS in the lungs, and exposure was linked to inflammation, impaired immune response, increased mucus production, disrupted surfactant properties, and breakdown of epithelial barrier integrity.

The researchers summarized evidence from clinical studies, animal models, and lab experiments. All three lines of evidence point in the same direction: PFAS damages lung tissue through immune disruption and oxidative stress. Outcomes included asthma, respiratory infections, allergic responses, and cancer.

Where PFAS Gets Into Your Air

PFAS in air pollution comes from manufacturing emissions, application of PFAS-containing products, and off-gassing from treated consumer goods in your home. Stain-resistant furniture, water-repellent fabrics, and PFAS-treated carpet all release low levels into indoor air. You breathe that air every day.

Reducing PFAS in your home environment means removing treated products and replacing them with natural alternatives. Untreated wool rugs, organic cotton textiles, and natural fiber furniture don't add PFAS to your indoor air. Browse non-toxic home essentials and non-toxic kitchen alternatives to remove PFAS from the places you spend the most time.

Source: Dameris L, Carberry V, Seifert C, Sherman J, Hu Y (2026). Curr Allergy Asthma Rep.