C6-Perfluorinated Compounds: The New Greaseproofing Agents in Food Packaging

Due to their oleophobic and hydrophobic properties and stability, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are used in many applications, particularly as greaseproofing agents for food contact. However, PFCs 8-carbons in length or greater (C8-PFCs) have raised concerns regarding environmental biopersistence, bioaccumulation in humans, and potent toxicity that have resulted in their gradual phase-out for food contact use. Industry has replaced C8-PFCs with shorter-chained C6-based greaseproofing agents, which are intended to have the same favorable physicochemical properties without the problematic toxicological effects in humans and wildlife. Compared with the large body of data available for C8 compounds, however, the available database on toxicity and exposure to the C6 compounds is fairly limited. This article summarizes the information in this database, focusing on aspects of human exposure and potential health risks associated with two types of C6 PFCs found in food packaging: perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and 6-2 fluorotelomer alcohol (C6-FTOH).