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CAS 68259-07-4

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

This chemical is a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance) surfactant used in some industrial processes and past firefighting foams. It is very persistent (“forever chemical”), can travel in water, and can build up in people and wildlife [1][2].

Where It Comes From

Manufacturing of fluoropolymers and water-, oil-, and stain-repellent products; older AFFF firefighting foams; laboratory ion-pairing reagents; may occur as a byproduct of other PFAS [1][2].

How You Are Exposed

Drinking water near airports, military bases, or fluorochemical plants; eating contaminated fish/food; indoor dust; some workplaces (firefighting, plating, PFAS production) [1][2][4].

Why It Matters

Data on this specific PFAS are limited, but related PFAS have been linked to increased cholesterol, liver and thyroid effects, reduced vaccine response, developmental effects, and some cancers (PFOA carcinogenic; PFOS possibly carcinogenic) [1][3][5].

Who Is at Risk

Pregnant people, infants/children; communities with contaminated water; high-consumption fishers; workers using AFFF or PFAS; households with heavily treated stain-resistant textiles [1][2][4].

How to Lower Your Exposure

Use certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis) for PFAS; follow local water/fish advisories; choose products advertised PFAS-free; wet-dust/HEPA vacuum; practice workplace hygiene/PPE and avoid bringing gear home [1][2][4].

References

  1. [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf
  2. [2]U.S. EPA. PFAS: Basic Information and Reducing Exposure. https://www.epa.gov/pfas
  3. [3]IARC. Press Release 264: PFOA (Group 1) and PFOS (Group 2B) classification. 2023. https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pr264_E.pdf
  4. [4]CDC/ATSDR. PFAS and Your Health: Exposure and Health Effects. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
  5. [5]WHO. PFOS and PFOA in Drinking-water: Background documents. 2022. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-HEP-ECH-WSH-2022.1

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