PFAS: Emerging, But Not New

抄録

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic substances that were originally developed in the late 1940s for uses as surfactants and surface protectors. The term PFAS includes both polymeric and non-polymeric fully (per-) and partially (poly-) fluoroalkyl substances. The most well studied PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) as designated by the European Union, and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Contemporary uses include industrial applications such as polymeric non-stick coatings on cookware, cosmetics, fabric protectors, waxes, paint and firefighting foams. PFAS have made their way into the biosphere in all continents. Some, including PFSAs and PFCAs, are especially persistent due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Due to growing evidence of bioactivity, public health guidance is being developed in numerous countries to limit human exposures through drinking water and food. Also included as PFAS are perfluoroalkanes, other perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSA) and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA), and recently described perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECA) and sulfonic acids (PFESA), among other proposed subclasses. Information is rapidly emerging on PFAS chemical classification and grouping, environmental chemistry, detection technology, fate and transport, exposure potential, human health toxicity, and ecological toxicity. This presentation will review recent social and public health actions regarding PFAS exposure and toxicity.