Scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are calling for more research into the safety of fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH), a chemical used to make grease-proofing agents for food contact material instead of longer chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which were phased out due to health concerns. Specifically, scientists are focusing on the lack of existing data regarding the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and extraction of 6:2 FTOH, the six carbon (C6) chemical that has replaced longer chain PFASs.
Furthermore, the scientists say there has not yet been a full evaluation of FTOH’s potential to persist in mammalian tissues and they are looking into the biopersistence potential after chronic dietary exposure.
6:2 FTOH has also been found in the arctic, raising concerns of persistence in the environment.
[Source: Chemical Watch]