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CAS 60270-55-5

1-Heptanesulfonic acid, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-pentadecafluoro-, potassium salt

This man-made chemical is a PFAS surfactant (often called potassium perfluoroheptanesulfonate, PFHpS). It repels water and oil, is very persistent, and can build up in people, similar to better-studied PFAS like PFOS [1][2].

Where It Comes From

Firefighting foams (AFFF); metal plating/mist suppressants; water‑ and stain‑repellent coatings for textiles and paper; fluorochemical manufacturing [1][2].

How You Are Exposed

Drinking contaminated water; eating fish/seafood from affected waters; indoor dust; workplace contact near airports, military bases, or PFAS‑using plants [1][2].

Why It Matters

PFAS can remain in the body for years; studies of related PFAS link exposure with higher cholesterol, reduced vaccine antibody response, liver and developmental effects, and some cancers (e.g., PFOA) [1][3][4].

Who Is at Risk

People using private wells near AFFF sites; firefighters and fluorochemical workers; pregnant people; infants and children (higher intake per body weight) [1][2].

How to Lower Your Exposure

Check local water results; consider certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis); follow fish advisories; damp‑dust and use a HEPA vacuum; follow workplace hygiene and gear‑cleaning guidance [2][5][6].

References

  1. [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (2021). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
  2. [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
  3. [3]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to PFOA or PFOS (2016). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/pfoa
  4. [4]IARC. Monographs Vol. 131: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (2023). https://publications.iarc.fr/604
  5. [5]U.S. EPA. Technologies for PFAS Removal from Drinking Water (GAC, IX, RO). https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/reducing-pfas-drinking-water
  6. [6]ATSDR/CDC. PFAS and Your Health: Steps You Can Take. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/reduce_exposure.html

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