PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals widely used for their durability and resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, their persistence in the environment has earned them the label of “forever chemicals.” PFAS are associated with significant environmental and health concerns, including toxicity and potential endocrine disruption.
Why Are PFAS Concerning?
PFAS chemicals are known to:
- Remain in the environment without breaking down.
- Accumulate in human and animal tissues over time.
- Pose risks such as carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity.
Common Uses of PFAS
PFAS are found in various industries, including:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pesticides
- Food packaging and textile treatments
| CAS Number | Chemical Name | Health Concerns | Environmental Concerns | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10009-20-8 | L-Lysine, N6-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)- | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | Pharmaceuticals |
| 1003319-95-6 | (1-[2-[5-METHYL-3-(TRIFLUOROMETHYL)-1H-PYRAZOL…) | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | Pesticide |
| 101463-69-8 | 1-(4-(2-cloro-a,a,a-p-trifluorotolyloxy)-2-fluo…) | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | Pesticide |
| 101896-32-6 | Poly(a-fluoro-?-methacryloyloxyethylpoly(diflu…) | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | |
| 101947-16-4 | Triethoxy(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10…) | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | Coating products |
| EC-903-945-5 | Reaction mass of chlorodifluoroacetic acid and… | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | Laboratory agent |
| EC-911-467-3 | Reaction mass of potassium trifluoroacetate an… | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | |
| EC-938-105-7 | 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7-dodecafluoroheptyl N-[… | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | Plastic products |
| EC-947-520-2 | Reaction mass of 1-chloro, 2-(difluoromethoxy)… | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | pH regulators and water treatment products |
| EC-954-921-6 | 4-(5-(3,5-dichloro-4-fluorophenyl)-5-(trifluor…) | Extremely persistent | Do not degrade in the environment – a “forever chemical” | Plant protection product |