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Guide: PFOS and PFOA: properties, incident management and toxicology
This guide to PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate, also called perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctylsulfonic acid, or 1-octanesulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, sometimes called pentadecafluorooctanoic acid or perfluoroheptanecarboxylic acid) includes information on:
- its properties and effects on health following exposure
- how to respond to a chemical incident
- its toxicology
These compounds are perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs).
Key Points
Fire
• In the event of a fire involving PFOS or PFOA, use fine water spray and liquid tight kit with breathing apparatus
Health
• Toxic by ingestion
• Repeated exposure by ingestion can cause stomach upset, liver toxicity and effects on thyroid hormones
• Skin or eye contact can cause irritation
• Prolonged exposure may cause cancer
Environment
• Dangerous for the environment
• Inform Environment Agency of substantial incident