Many studies have shown elevated levels of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), a sub-group of PFASs, in household dust.  The main goal of this EPA study was to identify and rank potentially important indoor sources by determining PFCA content in household goods. “It is clear that professional carpet-care liquids, pre-treated carpeting, treated floor waxes and sealants, and treated home textile products and upholstery are likely the most important PFCA sources in non-occupational indoor environments.”

Studies have found that PFCAs (such as PFOS and PFOA) can cause developmental and systemic toxicity in laboratory animals.  Read more about exposure to PFAS chemicals from consumer products in this study by Kotthoff et al.  PFAS chemicals are persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative in wildlife and humans, and are toxic to laboratory animals and wildlife, producing reproductive, developmental, and systemic effects in laboratory tests.