Perfluorinated compound
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a group of chemical compounds that are used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and fire-fighting foams. They are known for their ability to repel water and oil, and for their stability, which means they do not break down easily in the environment or in the body.
History[edit | edit source]
PFCs were first synthesized in the mid-20th century. Their unique properties quickly led to their widespread use in a variety of applications. However, concerns about their environmental persistence and potential health effects have led to increased scrutiny and regulation in recent years.
Properties and Uses[edit | edit source]
PFCs are characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bond, which makes them highly stable and resistant to breakdown. This stability, combined with their ability to repel both water and oil, has made them useful in a wide range of applications. They are used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, fire-fighting foams, and many other products.
Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]
Due to their stability, PFCs persist in the environment for a long time after they are released. They can be found in soil, water, and air, and can travel long distances from their source. They can also bioaccumulate in animals and humans, leading to potential health effects.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
Exposure to PFCs has been linked to a variety of health effects in humans. These include developmental effects in infants and children, decreased fertility, changes to the immune system, and increased cholesterol levels. Some studies have also suggested a possible link between PFC exposure and certain types of cancer, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Regulation[edit | edit source]
In response to concerns about the environmental persistence and potential health effects of PFCs, many countries have implemented regulations to limit their use and release. In addition, some manufacturers have voluntarily phased out the use of certain types of PFCs in their products.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Perfluorinated compound Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
