Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment: Terminology, classification, and origins

Abstract

The primary aim of this article is to provide an overview of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) detected in the environment, wildlife, and humans, and recommend clear, specific, and descriptive terminology, names, and acronyms for PFASs. The overarching objective is to unify and harmonize communication on PFASs by offering terminology for use by the global scientific, regulatory, and industrial communities. A particular emphasis is placed on long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids, substances related to the long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids, and substances intended as alternatives to the use of the long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids or their precursors. First, we define PFASs, classify them into various families, and recommend a pragmatic set of common names and acronyms for both the families and their individual members. Terminology related to fluorinated polymers is an important aspect of our classification. Second, we provide a brief description of the 2 main production processes, electrochemical fluorination and telomerization, used for introducing perfluoroalkyl moieties into organic compounds, and we specify the types of byproducts (isomers and homologues) likely to arise in these processes. Third, we show how the principal families of PFASs are interrelated as industrial, environmental, or metabolic precursors or transformation products of one another. We pay particular attention to those PFASs that have the potential to be converted, by abiotic or biotic environmental processes or by human metabolism, into long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic or sulfonic acids, which are currently the focus of regulatory action. The Supplemental Data lists 42 families and subfamilies of PFASs and 268 selected individual compounds, providing recommended names and acronyms, and structural formulas, as well as Chemical Abstracts Service registry numbers. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:513–541. © 2011 SETAC

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in indoor and outdoor dusts around a mega fluorochemical industrial park in China: Implications for human exposure

“…These properties have led to their use in various commercial products and industrial processes, such as textile, food containers, upholstery, fire-fighting foams, metal plating and fluoropolymer manufacturing (OECD, 2002;Buck et al, 2011;Wang et al, 2014b). Their presence in so many products and non-biodegradability has led to their wide distribution in the environment.…”

Methodology for studying biotransformation of polyfluoroalkyl precursors in the environment

“…Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are anthropogenic chemicals that have been used in the manufacture of additives and polymers for the past 60 years [1]. Due to their chemical inertness and surfactant properties, PFASs are used in household and industry applications, including surfactants, lubricants, paints, pesticides and coatings [2,3].…”

“…Laboratory systems utilizing microbialconsortium and animal models to study polyfluoroalkyl-precursor biotransformation provided insight to understand the extent of contributions of such precursors to PFCAs and PFSAs detected in the environment and biota. Table 1 presents PFCA and PFSA precursors studied so far from telomerization, manufacturing and electrochemical fluorination (ECF) processes [1]. The potential precursors from telomerization include fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), iodides (FTIs), olefins (FTOs), sulfonates (FTSAs), stearate monoesters (FTSs), citrate triester (TBC), polyfluoroalkyl phosphates (PAPs), polyethoxylated 2-perfluoroaklyl ethanols (FTEOs), and FTOH-based acrylate and urethane-based polymers.…”

Brain region distribution and patterns of bioaccumulative perfluoroalkyl carboxylates and sulfonates in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

“…Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial products over the last six decades including water-and oilrepellent coatings (e.g., for textiles, paper products, carpets, and food packaging), pharmaceuticals, and surfactants in cleaning products and fire-fighting foams [1]. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) are PFASs classified as perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) that are of environmental relevance as they are highly resistant to chemical, thermal, and biological degradation.…”