Obtaining and Evaluating Information on the Use, Release, and Health Effects of Two Types of Long-Chain PFAS Used as Alternatives for Legacy Long-Chain Perfluoroalkyl Acids: A Case Study

Environmental contamination with chloroperfluoropolyether carboxylates (ClPFPECAs) near a New Jersey fluoropolymer manufacturing facility was revealed through a joint New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)-United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Office of Research and Development study. Previously unavailable information on use, release, and toxicity of ClPFPECAs and another alternative PFAS, perfluoropolyether dicarboxylates, was obtained through an NJDEP legal directive requiring submission of information on such PFAS used in the state. It was learned that the facility discharged large amounts of these alternative PFAS to air and water for many years, both before and after use of long-chain PFAAs ended, and that they are at least as bioaccumulative and toxic in rats as long-chain PFAAs. Additionally, information from exposed workers shows that ClPFPECAs have a human half-life of several years and are associated with numerous health end points. Reference doses and water concentrations protective of chronic drinking water exposure for these alternative PFAS are below those developed by NJDEP for long-chain PFAAs. The use and release of alternative PFAS described herein created concerning human health risks, unknown to regulatory authorities and the public. Such situations in other locations must be identified to allow for regulatory intervention and prevented in the future. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP15995.