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Perfluorochemicals: PFC’s

Perfluorochemicals: PFC’s. By: Kat Jenning 2 nd Hour APES. General Information. Perfluorochemicals are better known as PFC’s. They can be classified as carcinogens, neurotoxins, and mutagens. There are several types of PFC’s, including PFOA’s, PFOB’s, PFBS’s, and PFBA’s.

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Perfluorochemicals: PFC’s

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  1. Perfluorochemicals:PFC’s By: Kat Jenning 2nd Hour APES

  2. General Information • Perfluorochemicals are better known as PFC’s. • They can be classified as carcinogens, neurotoxins, and mutagens. • There are several types of PFC’s, including PFOA’s, PFOB’s, PFBS’s, and PFBA’s.

  3. Development and Usage • PFC’s were developed for several reasons: • Stain resistance (clothing, carpets) • Stick resistance (pans, pots) • Repelling oil • Repelling water • Flame resistance

  4. Development and Usage • PFC’s are used in/for several things, including: • Paint • Grease-resistant cookware • Paper products • Pizza boxes • Microwave popcorn • Carpet, furniture, and clothing

  5. Human Exposure • PFC’s are very prevalent and persistent in our environment due to manufacturing facilities. They can be stored in the human body for years. • Humans are mainly exposed through food and water sources, but also through personal care products and fabrics.

  6. The Problem • PFC’s are known to increase the risk of cancer in the liver and pancreas and can also cause tumors and weaken immune systems in children. • They are most dangerous to children in the womb. • PFC’s lower birth weights in both humans and animals.

  7. An Animal Study • According to the Washington Toxics Coalition, rats exposed to high levels of PFC’s in the lab displayed cancerous tissues forming in the liver, pancreas, testis, and the mammary gland.

  8. Wildlife Impact • PFC’s are bio-accumulative and are able to travel through water and soil. They are found in the blood and tissues of fish, mink, and bald eagles, causing reproductive problems and compromised immune systems. • In Minnesota, high levels of PFC’s are infecting and poisoning the fish populations by traveling through the water.

  9. Maximum Contaminant Levels • Because there are several types of PFC’s, there are different MCLs for certain types. • The EPA has set these numbers for four different PFC’s: • PFOA: 0.4 micrograms/liter • PFOS: 0.2 micrograms/liter • PFBS: 7 micrograms/liter • PFBA: 7 micrograms/liter

  10. Minimizing Exposure • In order to minimize PFC exposure, we should: • Add carbon/ reverse osmosis water filters • Avoid greasy packaged foods • Avoid stain resistant furniture and carpets • Avoid non-stick cookware • Avoid water, oil, and flame resistant clothing and fabrics • Read all the labels on personal care products; watch for “Teflon,” “fluoro,” and “perfluoro.”

  11. In The News Today • In 2012, Fox News published an article explaining that children with high levels of PFC’s in their blood are less likely to respond to routine vaccinations. PFC’s cause the immune system to become sluggish and unable to maintain a proper defense system against viruses. PFC’s half the antibody levels in children’s bodies and cause the immune system to weaken. So far, PFC’s don’t appear to cause a “significant threat” to the human population. • It is important to learn about PFC’s and their danger to immune systems. If we are aware of the effects of these chemicals, we are more likely to take precautions and reduce the risks of developing cancer and suppressing our immune systems.

  12. Sources Cited • N/A. (2012). Common household chemicals tied to immune problems in kids. In Fox News. Retrieved January 2, 2013, from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/25/pfc-chemicals-tied-to-immune-problems-in-kids/. • N/A. (n.d.). Overview of Perfluorochemicals and Health. In Minnesota Department of Health. Retrieved January 2, 2013, from http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/hazardous/topics/pfcshealth.html. • N/A. (n.d.). Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) . In Washington Toxics Coalition. Retrieved January 2, 2013, from http://watoxics.org/chemicals-of-concern/perfluorinated-compounds-pfcs. • N/A. (2007.). Reducing Your Exposure to PFCs . In Oregon Environmental Council. Retrieved January 2, 2013, from http://www.oeconline.org/our-work/healthier-lives/pollutioninpeople/solutions/normalpage.2007-10-10.8680122034.

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