With the research thus far, current information indicates that the world population may be exposed to low levels of PFOA, though no definitive information has determined how this exposure occurs.

Speculation abounds that, given the limited geographic locations of fluorochemical plants making or using PFOA, suggests that additional sources of PFOA may be in the environment, beyond those attributed to industrial facilities and

manufacturers.

It is thought that the degradation of telomer chemicals could perhaps be an additional source for PFOA in the environment.

Whether or not human exposures due to PFOA in the air, water, on dust sediments, in dietary sources, or through some combination of these is currently unknown.