Polyfluorinated Compounds: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Interest and concern about polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs), such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and an increasing number of other related compounds is growing as more is learned about these ubiquitous anthropogenic substances. Many of these compounds can be toxic, and they are regularly found in the blood of animals and humans worldwide. A great deal of research has been conducted in this area, but a surprising amount remains unknown about their distribution in the environment and how people ultimately become exposed. The utility of these compounds seems to ensure their continued use in one form or another for the foreseeable future, presenting a long-term challenge to scientists, industry leaders, and public health officials worldwide.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the lower atmosphere and surface waters of the Chinese Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and Yangtze River estuary

“…Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been widely used for N 60 years because of their lipophobic and hydrophilic characteristics (Kissa, 2001;Lindstrom et al, 2011). PFASs have been found in various environmental compartments worldwide (Houde et al, 2011;Z.…”

Spatiotemporal distribution and mass loadings of perfluoroalkyl substances in the Yangtze River of China

“…Long chain (more than seven fully fluorinated carbon atoms) PFCAs and PFSAs are shown to be bioaccumulative (Martin et al, 2003) and have potential adverse effects on humans and animals (Lau, 2012;Peters and Gonzalez, 2011). In 2000, 3 M announced the phase out of PFOS, and PFOA and their longer chain homologues (Lindstrom et al, 2011). The European Union started to ban the usage of PFOS in consumer products (Directive, 2006/122/EC) and PFOS with its precursor, perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride (POSF), were listed to Annex B of the Stockholm Convention in 2009, calling for restricted production and use worldwide (UNEP, 2009).…”

Urban and rural transport of semivolatile organic compounds at regional scale: A multimedia model approach

“…Assessment of the state and impacts of POPs is very important for environmental management, especially for regional ecological and human health risk management of POPs (Diamond and Hodge, 2007;Lindstrom et al, 2011). However, the availability of large-scale monitoring data in all environmental compartments (soil, water, vegetation, and air) is spatially and temporally limited.…”