Perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 3.6X10+5(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 68 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 5.8 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(4). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(2012, SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 3.6X10+5(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 68 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 6.5 hours and 8.9 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 845 years if adsorption is considered(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 5200(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 7.84(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(2012, SRC). Perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the presence of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). Perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride and perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride polymers ultimately degrade to perfluorooctane sulfonate(9).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 5.8 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is not expected to react with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals or be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Perfluorinated surfactants (PFSs) in Asian freshwater fish species were analyzed to investigate tissue distribution, temporal trends, extent of pollution, and level of PFS exposure through food intake. Freshwater fish species, namely carp, snakehead, and catfish, were collected in Japan, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, and Thailand, and 10 PFSs, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate, were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. PFSs in carp in Tokyo were more concentrated in kidneys (sum of 10 PFSs = 257 +/- 95 ng/g wet weight [ww]) and livers (119 +/- 36 ng/g ww) than in ovaries (43 +/- 2 ng/g ww) and muscles (24 +/- 17 ng/g ww). Concentrations of PFOS and its precursor, perfluorooctane sulfonamide, in livers of carp and in waters in Tokyo showed a dramatic decrease during the last decade, probably because of 3 M's phasing-out of the manufacture of perfluorooctanesulfonyl-fluoride-based products in 2000. In contrast, continuing contamination by long-chain perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) with > or =9 fluorinated carbons was seen in multiple media, suggesting that these compounds continue to be emitted. PFS concentrations in freshwater fish species in tropical Asian countries were generally lower than those in developed countries, such as Japan, e.g., for PFOS in muscle, Vietnam < 0.05-0.3 ng/g ww; India < 0.05-0.2 ng/g ww; Malaysia < 0.05-0.2 ng/g ww; Thailand < 0.05 ng/g ww; and Japan (Tokyo) = 5.1-22 ng/g ww. Daily intake of short-chain PFCAs with < or =8 fluorinated carbons from freshwater fish species in Japan was approximately one order of magnitude lower than that from drinking water, whereas daily intake of PFOS and long-chain PFCAs with > or =9 fluorinated carbons from freshwater fish species was comparable with or greater than that from drinking water. Because the risk posed by exposure to these compounds through intake of fish species is a matter of concern, we recommend the continued monitoring of PFS levels in Asian developing countries. /Perfluorinated surfactants/

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride can be estimated to be 3.6X10+5(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC).

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Workers with potential high exposure to Perfluorooctanesulfonyl Fluoride (POSF)-related compounds, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), had 3 bladder cancer deaths vs. 0.2 expected (SMR 12.8; 95% CI 2.6 +/- 37.4). These compounds have not shown genotoxicity, and toxicology studies (including cancer bioassays) with PFOS and related sulfonamides have not shown bladder effects, but repeat-exposure data was not available for POSF. To further study the association of exposure to bladder cancer, we investigated ... bladder cancer incidence in workers. ... Because of high survivorship, living members (N = 1895) of the study were contacted by mail to answer a questionnaire about bladder cancer, and 74% participated. Validation occurred by medical record or death certificate for those original members deceased (N = 188). Incidence of bladder cancer was compared to expected based on NCI SEER data. Results: 11 bladder cancers were identified. The Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) for the entire cohort was 1.3 (95% CI 0.6 +/- 2.3). The SIR for ever working and working for more than one year in a high exposed job were 1.7 (95% CI 0.6 +/- 3.8) and 1.1 (95% CI 0.2 +/- 3.3), respectively. These studies do not support the hypothesis that the excess risk of bladder cancer initially reported was due to exposure to POSF-related materials or PFOS.

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ To determine whether bladder cancer is associated with exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in an occupational cohort /of perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride manufacturing workers./ Incidence of bladder cancer was ascertained by postal questionnaire to all living current and former employees of the facility (N = 1895) and death certificates for deceased workers (N = 188). Exposure to PFOS was estimated with work history records and weighted with biological monitoring data. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were estimated using U.S. population-based rates as a reference. Bladder cancer risk within the cohort was evaluated using Poisson regression by cumulative PFOS exposure. Questionnaires were returned by 1,400 of the 1895 cohort members presumed alive. Eleven cases of primary bladder cancer were identified from the surveys (n = 6) and death certificates (n = 5). The SIRs were 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-2.29) for the entire cohort and 1.74 (95% CI = 0.64-3.79) for those ever working in a high exposed job. Compared with employees in the lowest cumulative exposure category, the relative risk of bladder cancer was 0.83 (95% CI = 0.15-4.65), 1.92 (95% CI = 0.30-12.06), and 1.52 (95% CI = 0.21-10.99). ... /Perfluorooctane sulfonate, metabolite/

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ The observed to expected episodes of care experience of 652 employees at a fluorochemical (perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride) production facility was compared with 659 film plant (nonfluorochemical) employees at the same site (Decatur, AL). Episodes of care were defined by a hierarchical analysis of health claims data from 1993 through 1998. The age- and sex-adjusted expected number of episodes of care was calculated from the company's U.S. manufacturing workforce. For a priori interests, the observed to expected episodes of care ratios were comparable for fluorochemical and film plant employees for liver tumors or diseases, bladder cancer, thyroid and lipid metabolism disorders, and reproductive, pregnancy, and perinatal disorders and higher for biliary tract disorders and cystitis recurrence. Non-a priori associations among the fluorochemical plant workers included benign colon polyps, malignant colorectal tumors, and malignant melanoma.

Perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride's production and use as a surfactant, in paper and packaging treatment, and surface protectant(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is also a precursor of many fluorinated sulfonyl surfactants(2).

An estimated BCF of 5200 was calculated in fish for perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 7.84(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is estimated as 68 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 6.5 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 8.9 days(SRC). Perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model pond is about 845 years when adsorption is considered(3). Perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 5.8 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(4).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ /The investigators/ investigated potential bladder effects of POSF in rats. ... Rats were exposed by inhalation to 0, 30, 100, or 300 ppm POSF 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week for 4 (0 and 300 ppm) or 13 weeks. Complete urinalysis was done on overnight urines. SEM/X-ray element analysis for crystals/calculi and immediate pH were conducted on fresh morning urines. Sagittal sections of urinary bladder were taken for SEM analysis and assessment of cell proliferation by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (3 sections, 103 cells/section). Results: There were no treatment-related findings with respect to urinalysis parameters, including pH and solids, nor changes of the urothelium, including no exposure-related increase in cell proliferation.

Vapor-phase perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is not expected to react with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals or be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Hydrolysis of perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride is expected due to the presence of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(1). Perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride and perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride polymers ultimately degrade to perfluorooctane sulfonate(2).

Occupational exposure to perfluorooctylsulfonyl fluoride may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where perfluorooctylsulfonyl is produced or used(SRC). Studies have found perfluorooctylsulfonate chemicals in very small quantities in the blood of the general human population as well as in wildlife, indicating that exposure to the chemicals, including pristine environments, is widespread(1).

Certain perfluoroalkyl sulfonates. (a) Chemical substances and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substances listed in Table 1 /including 1-Octanesulfonyl fluoride, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptadecafluoro-/ ... of this section are subject to reporting under this section for the significant new uses described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. ... (2) The significant new uses are: ... (ii) Any manufacture or import for any use of any chemical substance listed in Table 2 of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, except as noted in paragraph (a)(3) of this section. ... (3) Manufacture or import of any chemical substance listed in Table 2 ... for the following specific uses shall not be considered as a significant new use subject to reporting under this section: (i) Use as an anti-erosion additive in fire-resistant phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluids. (ii) Use as a component of a photoresist substance, including a photo acid generator or surfactant, or as a component of an anti-reflective coating, used in a photomicrolithography process to produce semiconductors or similar components of electronic or other miniaturized devices. (iii) Use in coating for surface tension, static discharge, and adhesion control for analog and digital imaging films, papers, and printing plates, or as a surfactant in mixtures used to process imaging films. (iv) Use as an intermediate only to produce other chemical substances to be used solely for the uses listed in paragraph (a)(3)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section.