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1: Executive summary

2: Babies are vulnerable to chemical harm

3: Human health problems on the rise

4: Recommendations

Detailed findings

Methodology

Questions and Answers

References

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  PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)

PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate) was found in 10 of 10 umbilical cord blood samples from babies born in U.S. hospitals in 2004, at concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 2.0 ng/g (wet weight, in whole blood). It was also found in 3 of 3 adult blood samples, at concentrations ranging from 0.9 to 5.5 ng/g (wet weight, in whole blood).

In fire fighting foams and carpet treatments. Phased out of consumer products by 3M in 2000 over health concerns.

About PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate) *
CAS RN	432-50-7
Chemical Class	Perfluorochemical (PFC)
Chemical SubClass	Perfluorinated sulfonate
Trade and product names	Algoflon, Centennial Cloth, Clear-Shield, DWR, Dyneon, Excel, Extragard DN 100-1, Extreme Superpruf, Fiber Shield, Forafac, GapShield, MysticMaid Corazza, Polyflon, Scotchguard, Silverstone, Stain-Guard, Staindefender, Stainmaster, SurfTechs 4300, SurfTechs 4301, SurfTechs 4302, Teflon, Zepel, Zonyl
Chemical functions	surfactant with stain, oil, and water resistance properties
May be found in the following types of products	bike chain lubricant, computer chip coating, engine oil additive, flame retardant, hair curling and straightening products, nail polish, pharmaceutical packaging, stain/water/oil repellent fabric protector, water/oil repellent paper coating, windshield wiper blades, wire and cable insulation
Uses	possible breakdown product of, or manufacturing intermediate of commercial perfluorochemicals (PFCs), uses of PFCs include stain/water/oil repellent fabric protector, water/oil repellent paper coating, wiper blades, bike chain lubricant, wire and cable insulation, pharmeceutical packaging, engine oil additive, nail polish, hair curling and straightening
Manufacturers	3M, Asahi, Clariant International, Daikin, DuPont, Dyneon

* Information may include trade names, manufacturers, and products for other chemicals in the Perfluorochemical (PFC) class.

Suspected Health Concerns for PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)

No information on health effects associated with this chemical is available in seven standard toxicity references.

References for Health Effects