Fluoropolymers have well-established safety profiles and do not present a significant concern for human health or the environment. Because of their unique combination of physical and chemical properties, fluoropolymers meet criteria developed to identify polymers of low concern for potential risk to human health or the environment.1Source: Henry, B J, et al., A critical review of the application of polymer of low concern and regulatory criteria to fluoropolymers, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 14, 3, (2018). These criteria were developed by chemical regulatory experts working collaboratively under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. 2Source: Third Meeting of the OECD Experts on Polymers: Chairman’s Report [ENV/MC/CHEM/RD(93)4].
Fluoropolymers are large, stable, inert polymeric molecules. Polymeric, high molecular weight fluoropolymers are too large to cross biological membranes and therefore present little potential for human or environmental exposure. Fluoropolymers are not water soluble and as a result are not found in sources of drinking water. Importantly, fluoropolymers are not PFOA or PFOS or other long-chain PFAS, nor can they transform to those substances in the environment.