Poly(difluoromethylene), α-fluoro-ω-(2-hydroxyethyl)-, dihydrogen 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate

This substance is a fluorinated polymer (a type of PFAS) used in making fluoropolymer coatings and plastics. PFAS persist in the environment; some are linked to health harms, so reducing exposure matters [1][2]. Data on this specific polymer are limited; points below reflect what is known about the PFAS class [1].

Where It Comes From

Manufactured as a processing aid/surfactant for fluoropolymer production; releases can occur via industrial air and wastewater [2].

How You Are Exposed

Drinking water near facilities, eating local fish/produce, indoor dust, or workplace handling of PFAS [1][2].

Why It Matters

PFAS can build up in people; studies link them to higher cholesterol, immune effects, liver and developmental changes, and some (e.g., PFOA) cause cancer [1][3][4].

Who Is at Risk

Fluoropolymer workers; people using private wells near plants; pregnant people, infants, and high consumers of local fish [1][2].

How to Lower Your Exposure

Check local water results; use certified carbon or reverse-osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) if needed; follow fish/water advisories; reduce dust (HEPA/wet mopping); follow workplace PPE/hygiene [1][2].

References

[1]ATSDR/CDC. PFAS and Your Health. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
[2]U.S. EPA. Basic Information on PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas
[3]NTP. Monograph on Immunotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS (2016). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ntp/ohat/pfoa_pfos/PFOA_PFOSMonograph_508.pdf
[4]IARC/WHO. Carcinogenicity of PFOA and PFOS (2023). https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-the-carcinogenicity-of-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-and-perfluorooctanesulfonic-acid-pfos/