A perfluorinated compound (PFC) is an organofluorine compound with all hydrogens replaced by fluorine on a carbon chain—but the molecule also contains at least one different atom or functional group. Thus, PFCs have properties similar to fluorocarbons (a wholly carbon and fluorine containing compound) as they are fluorocarbon derivatives. They have unique properties to make materials stain, oil, and water resistant, and are widely used in diverse applications. PFCs persist in the environment as persistent organic pollutants, but unlike PCBs, they are not known to degrade by any natural processes due to the strength of the carbon–fluorine bond.
The OECD’s Portal on PFCs is here.
The USEPA web information on PFOA and related PFCs is here.
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