Toxicology of the fluoroalkenes: review and research needs

In this review of the published literature on the toxicology of fluoroalkenes several features emerge and research needs are evident. The fluoroalkenes vary widely in acute inhalation toxicity. Those, such as perfluoroisobutylene, PFIB, the most highly toxic member, attacks the pulmonary epithelium of rats eventuating in edema and death after a delay of about one day. Other fluoroalkenes, such as hexafluoropropylene (HFP) or chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), also cause pulmonary injury but at lower concentrations produce concentration dependent changes in the renal concentrating mechanism of the rat. Changes in the CNS of rats and rabbits have also been reported for CTFE. CTFE, in repeated exposures, has produced blood pressure changes in dogs, CNS effects and changes in the erythropoietic system. This variety of responses indicates the need for investigation. Chronic effects have not been sufficiently studied for PFIB and HFP. Thus pointing up the desirability for study. Mechanisms of action research for fluoroalkenes is an important area of need. While several ideas have been suggested, there are no data to support them. The nucleophilic sensitivity of the fluoroalkenes and the potential carcinogenic effects stemming therefrom suggests a need field for investigation. We also can readily perceive the needs for the evaluation of effects on reproduction (including mutagenesis and teratogenesis), metabolism pulmonary functions, cellular function and structure. Epidemiologic studies on occupationally exposed populations are desirable in order to adequately define human health hazard from these fluorocarbons.