Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
2023
Department
Oceanography
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of surface treatment chemicals falling under non-polymeric and polymeric categories. Polymeric PFAS are comprised of fluoropolymers, perfluoropolyethers, and side-chain fluorinated polymers (SCFPs). Fluorinated polymers and polymeric substances have gained a significant market due to their chemical stability. To date, research and regulatory concern has primarily focused on the environmental occurrence and health effects of non-polymeric PFAS, particularly perfluoroalkyl acids and precursors. Industries consider most fluoropolymers as being “polymers of low concern”, although there is already a considerable environmental burden and widespread contamination resulting from their production, manufacturing, and use. For example, SCFPs are widely used, and known to release their perfluorinated side chains. Concerted action is needed to address the dearth of environment-associated information and understanding on polymeric PFAS.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Volume
41
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Lohmann, R., Letcher, R.J. The universe of fluorinated polymers and polymeric substances and potential environmental impacts and concerns. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 2023, accepted. 10.1016/j.cogsc.2023.100795
Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2023.100795
Author Credit Statement
Lohmann_UniverseFluorinatedPolymers_2023_Highlights.docx (21 kB)
Highlights
Lohmann_UniverseFluorinatedPolymers_2023_Fig1.tif (132 kB)
Figure 1
Lohmann_UniverseFluorinatedPolymers_2023_Fig2.tif (67 kB)
Figure 2
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