Historical and current usage of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A literature review

Abstract

Background Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have uniquely useful chemical and physical properties, leading to their extensive industrial, commercial, and consumer applications since at least the 1950s. Some industries have publicly reported at least some degree of information regarding their PFAS use, while other industries have reported little, if any, such information publicly. Methods Publicly available sources were extensively researched for information. Literature searches were performed on key words via a variety of search mechanisms, including existing PFAS use and synthesis literature, patent databases, manufacturers' websites, public government databases, and library catalogs. Additional searches were conducted specifically for suspected or known uses. Results PFAS have been used in a wide variety of applications, which are summarized into several industries and applications. The expanded literature search yielded additional references as well as greater details, such as concentrations and specific PFAS used, on several previously reported uses. Conclusions This knowledge will help inform which industries and occupations may lead to potential exposure to workers and to the environment.

Occupational exposure and serum levels of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A review

“…This highlights the need for research quantifying occupational PFAS exposure in all worker populations potentially exposed to PFAS. Industries and occupations of particular concern include chrome plating, paper making, floor waxing, and textiles 1 . As a general understanding of the uses of PFAS develops, and as research on the health effects of PFAS continues, additional occupations of concern will likely come to light.…”

“…PFAS, or per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been produced since the 1940s 1 . Known colloquially as “forever chemicals,” PFAS' resistance to degradation and hydrophobic, lipophobic, and heat‐resistant properties make these chemicals extremely useful for a wide range of applications 1 . There is no all‐inclusive list describing the uses of specific PFAS 2 .…”

Occupational exposures to airborne per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—A review

“…These high exposures in occupations that use substances with PFAS suggest that other occupations are at risk of similar levels of exposure if they use PFAS‐containing products. Workers in many other occupations where no data exist on PFAS exposure may be at risk, such as chrome plating, paper making, and other occupations not discussed in this article 2 . Due to a lack of published data, our study could not examine exposures associated with the manufacture of PFAS.…”

“…Exposure can occur in workers who manufacture PFAS and workers who use or produce products that contain PFAS. The widespread use of PFAS in numerous applications and industries makes it difficult to identify the exact types of occupational exposure settings where workers are at risk of PFAS exposure 2 …”

“…In several studies, air and dust levels have been measured in occupational environments such as fire stations and ski‐waxing rooms. Fire stations have been researched because most firefighting foams used to extinguish hydrocarbon fires contain PFAS, including aqueous film‐forming foams (AFFF) as well as alcohol resistant‐AFFF (AR‐AFFF) and protein foams 2–5 . In recent years, some fluorine‐free firefighting foams have been developed, but firefighters may also be exposed to PFAS through sources such as turn out gear 6 .…”