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Fluorotelomers

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Robert J. Simon
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C6 Fluorotelomer-based products are versatile chemistries with wetting and spreading features, as well as unique properties that repel water, oil and stains. These unique characteristics make fluorotelomers a critical component of first responder gear, medical garments, paints and coatings, upholstery, class B firefighting foam, among other uses that families and businesses across the world rely on.

The most common types of fluorotelomer based products are side chain fluorinated polymers and fluorosurfactants.

Side chain fluorinated polymers, also known as fluorinated polymers, are polymeric fluorotelomer-based products that consist of non-fluorinated carbon backbones with polyfluoroalkyl side chains. They are used to treat textiles, nonwovens and paper to provide water, soil, oil and stain resistance, among other applications.

Fluorosurfactants are non-polymeric fluorotelomer-based derivatives that are used in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF or fluorinated firefighting foams) and as coatings additives.

Medical Professional Wearing PPE

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C6 Fluorotelomer Facts

  • Our member companies that make and use fluorotelomer based products are committed to protecting public health and our environment, employing practices and technologies throughout the manufacturing process to minimize emissions of these chemistries.
  • C6 Fluorotelomer-based products are versatile chemistries with wetting and spreading features, as well as unique properties that repel water, oil and stains.
  • These unique characteristics make fluorotelomers a critical component of first responder gear, medical garments, paints and coatings, upholstery, and class B firefighting foam, among other uses that families and businesses across the world rely on.
  • C6 fluorotelomer-based surfactants have been thoroughly reviewed by regulators prior to introduction into commerce, are subject to ongoing review, and are supported by a robust body of rigorous scientific health and safety data.
  • This assessment has also included review of potential breakdown (degradation) products. As reflected in the published scientific literature, studies have found that one of the primary potential breakdown products, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA or C6 acid), does not cause cancer (NTP 2018; Klaunig et al. 2015; Loveless et al. 2009); does not disrupt endocrine (hormone) activity (Borghoff et al. 2018); does not cause reproductive or developmental harm (Loveless et al. 2009; Iwai et al. 2019, Iwai and Hoberman 2014); does not build up in the human body and does not become concentrated in the bodies of living organisms (Chengelis et al. 2009b; Iwai and Hoberman 2014; Russell et al. 2013, 2015; Nilsson et al. 2010, 2013; Fujii et al. 2015; Guruge et al. 2016; Gannon et al. 2011, 2016).

FAQs

Fluorotelomer-based products are versatile chemistries with wetting and spreading features, as well as unique properties that repel water, oil and stains. These unique characteristics make fluorotelomers a critical component of first responder gear, medical garments, paints and coatings, upholstery, and class B firefighting foam, among other uses that families and businesses across the world rely on.

All PFAS are not the same. Each individual chemistry has its own unique properties and uses, as well as environmental and health profiles. It’s neither scientifically accurate nor appropriate to group them all together as one.

To date, we have been pleased to work with policymakers and other stakeholders on a host of initiatives to address key issues while continuing to allow for the important uses and benefits of PFAS technologies. EPA and Congress have taken several significant steps toward advancing a comprehensive approach we support to addressing these chemistries.