Revised Toxicity Assessment for Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid Published by EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is dedicated to ensuring that scientific integrity is at the forefront of its efforts. In light of this, the Agency recently released a revised toxicity assessment for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). In this blog post, we take a look at PFBS and review the significance of this update.
About PFBS
A member of the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid is composed of a sulfonic acid functional group and a fluorocarbon chain. As with other PFAS, PFBS-based chemical compounds have a variety of uses. They are primarily surfactants utilized in the manufacture of things such as cleaners, paints, repellents, and more. Such compounds function as replacements for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS)
| Chemical Name | 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonic acid |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C4HF9O3S |
| CAS Registry Number | 375-73-5 |
Research continues to be conducted to evaluate the impacts on health caused by perfluorobutane sulfonic acid exposure. The recent toxicity assessment is an important part of this process.
Updated Toxicity Assessment
Evaluation of toxicity is a fundamental aspect of chemical risk assessment. Toxicity assessments are used to determine a chemical substance’s potential for yielding harmful health effects. Additionally, they are used to distinguish the quantity of the chemical at which those health effects are elicited (dose-response).
The recently revised toxicity assessment for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid represents an important step for the EPA. In a statement from Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, the Agency’s Science Advisor, she commented on the significance of the new update, noting that it “fixes the errors in the version issued earlier this year, was developed by EPA career scientists, and upholds the values of scientific integrity”. She further noted that it is important in helping the Agency “take action to address PFAS and protect public health”.
Access to Vital Information
Information obtained from chemical toxicity assessment is essential in efforts to help protect human health and the environment. Equally important to this is having a thorough understanding of chemical substances, their numerous properties, and their varied uses.
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