The fluoropolymer PTFE is stable at environmentally relevant temperatures

Ruwona, Tinashe

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109887 Copy

Description

Title

The fluoropolymer PTFE is stable at environmentally relevant temperatures

Author(s)

Ruwona, Tinashe

Issue Date

2021-04-27

Keyword(s)

• per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• PFAS
• fluoropolymer

Abstract

Presented by: Tinashe Ruwona – Toxicologist at W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., truwona@wlgore.com Co-authors: Barbara Henry, Niels Timmer, Zeljka Madzarevic Abstract: Some organic fluorinated compounds have been detected in the environment and biota. Several recent publications suggest that persistence alone of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) poses a risk to biota or the environment. Global regulators are debating the risk management of the ~4,730 PFAS (OECD). As risk is a function of hazard and exposure, we argue that persistence (i.e. exposure) of a substance alone cannot, by definition, present a risk to health or the environment in the absence of hazard. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a fluoropolymer, is stable by design, and does not degrade, break down or leach toxic transformation products under standard processing conditions or in the environment. To assess potential hazards of PTFE made without PFOA, we have initiated a battery of environmental fate studies under OECD and EPA Guidelines. The testing paradigm is based on our knowledge of PTFE (manufacturing processes, chemical, physical and thermal properties), and existing standard test guidelines for environmental fate, to address potential concerns over PTFE and leachables. We hereby present data confirming that PTFE is stable under relevant environmental temperatures. Biography: Tinashe Ruwona, Ph.D., DABT, is a Toxicologist with W.L Gore and Associates, an American multinational manufacturing company specializing in products derived from fluoropolymers. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Portland State University and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT). Tinashe provides global toxicology and risk assessment support for new and existing products and materials. He is a member of Society of Toxicology and Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Series/Report Name or Number

2021 Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference (ECEC21)

Type of Resource

• text
• still image

Language

en

Permalink

• http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109887
• https://youtu.be/OnT71OOOjCw

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