J. DeWitt
2015
Citations
3
Influential Citations
194
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal name not available for this finding
Abstract
This chapter provides an overarching introduction to the subject matter of this volume: toxicology and health effects of perfl uorinated compounds (PFCs). It highlights briefl y the unique chemical and physical properties of these chemicals, their production history and commercial uses, and their environmental and health concerns. The distribution profi les of these persistent contaminants in environmental media, wildlife and humans, as well as potential pathways of human exposure are characterized. General toxicological features of these chemicals include major species and sex differences in pharmacokinetic disposition among congeners with different carbon-chain lengths and functional groups, and differential potencies based on their primary mechanism of action, i.e., activation of the nuclear receptor PPARα. Current understanding of adverse effects associated with PFC exposure based on laboratory animal models include hepatotoxicity, tumor induction, developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption. Associations and probable links between exposure to some PFCs and adverse health outcomes in humans have been suggested by recent epidemiological reports. Ecological and human health risk assessments of these chemicals are still in their infancy. Each of these sub-topics will be expanded into full discussion in subsequent chapters. Importantly, a new generation of fl uorinated chemicals has already emerged in commerce, with little information regarding their environmental fate and distribution as well as potential health effects. Materials presented in this volume should provide a scientifi c basis to inform the design of safe replacement C. Lau , Ph.D. (*) Developmental Toxicology Branch, Toxicity Assessment Division , National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Offi ce of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency , Mail Drop B105-04, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr , Research Triangle Park , NC 27711 , USA e-mail: lau.christopher@epa.gov Disclaimer This chapter has been reviewed by the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily refl ect the views and policies of the Agency, nor does the mention of trade names of commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.