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pfos (perfluorooctanesulfonate)

In the chemical family: Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)

Active ingredient in Scotchgard prior to 2000. Phase out forced by EPA because concentrations in human blood close to levels that harm lab animals.

Health Effects related to pfos (perfluorooctanesulfonate): Biochemical or cellular level changes, Birth or developmental effects, Cancer, Persistent and bioaccumulative

Routes of Exposure related to pfos (perfluorooctanesulfonate):

  • Consumer products: carpets, clothing
  • Environment: industrial water pollution
  • Food: food packaging, popcorn
  • Found in people
  • Miscellaneous: manufacturing, medical, occupational
  • Water

More chemicals in Perfluorochemicals (PFCs): pfhs, pfosaa, pfba (perfluorobutyric acid), pfosa (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), pfhxa (perfluorohexanoic acid), pfhxs (perfluorohexansulfonate), pfna (perfluorononanoic acid), pfoa (perfluorooctanoic acid), pfpea (perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), pfta (perfluorotetradecanoic acid), view all...