Perfluorooctanoic acid

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid formerly used in fluoropolymer production. Its environmental persistence and potential health effects have driven restrictions and cleanup efforts.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large group of fluorinated chemicals with varied structures and uses. PFOA is one member of this broad chemical group.
Polytetrafluoroethylene: Polytetrafluoroethylene is a fluoropolymer known for chemical resistance and a low-friction surface. PFOA was used as a processing aid in manufacturing this fluoropolymer.
Persistent organic pollutant: A persistent organic pollutant is an organic chemical that resists degradation and can remain in the environment for long periods. PFOA’s persistence prompted controls under international pollution agreements.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid: Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid is a persistent fluorinated surfactant with a sulfonic acid group. PFOS has a sulfonate head group, unlike PFOA’s carboxylic acid group.
Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids: Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids are fluorinated compounds with a carbon chain and a carboxylic acid group. This chemical family includes PFOA and related chain-length variants.
Fluoropolymer: A fluoropolymer is a polymer whose structure includes carbon–fluorine bonds. PFOA’s principal industrial role was aiding the production of fluoropolymers.
Groundwater contamination: Groundwater contamination is the presence of harmful substances in water stored beneath Earth’s surface. Releases from industrial sites and firefighting areas have contaminated groundwater with PFOA.
GenX: GenX is a trade name for a fluorinated processing aid and related chemicals developed as alternatives to PFOA. It illustrates that replacing PFOA does not necessarily eliminate persistence or toxicity concerns.
Carbon–fluorine bond: A carbon–fluorine bond is a covalent bond between carbon and fluorine atoms. Strong carbon–fluorine bonds help explain why PFOA resists environmental breakdown.
Emulsion polymerization: Emulsion polymerization is a process that forms polymers from monomers dispersed in water. PFOA helped stabilize fluoropolymer particles during aqueous production processes.

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