Why are fluoropolymers safe?

Fluoropolymers are a distinct class of per‐and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), high molecular weight polymers with fluorine attached to their carbon‐only backbone. They possess a unique combination of properties and unmatched functional performance, which are critical to the products and manufacturing processes they enable. For this reason, fluoropolymers are  essential and irreplaceable in several uses and applications.

Fluoropolymers are chemically inert, non-bioavailable, and environmentally stable, distinguishing them from other PFAS substances. Experts consider that fluoropolymers display properties predictive of low hazard as demonstrated by data in science-based regulatory submissions and peer-reviewed literature.​

Fluoropolymers’ properties and data demonstrate their low hazard when compared against criteria used by a range of global regulatory scientists to assess the safety of polymers. Such criteria are a compilation of intrinsic physical and chemical properties that anticipate potential health and environmental impact.