Perfluorinated compounds

Abstract

Perfluorinated compounds such as the perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their derivatives are important man-made chemicals that have wide consumer and industrial applications. They are relatively contemporary chemicals, being in use only since the 1950s and until recently have been considered as biologically inactive. However, during the past decade, their global distribution, environmental persistence, presence in humans and wildlife, and adverse health effects in laboratory animals have come to light, generating scientific, regulatory, and public interest on an international scale. This chapter will provide a brief overview of recent advances in understanding environmental and human exposure, toxicology, and modes of action for this class of compounds in animal models, as well as a summary of epidemiological findings to date.