Toxicology of Fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymers are chemically stable and inert or relatively unreactive. Reactivity, generally, decreases as the fluorine content of the polymer increases. Fluorine induces more stability than chlorine. The fluoropolymer family of plastics has low toxicity and almost no toxicological activity. No fluoropolymers have been known to cause skin sensitivity and irritation in humans. Polyvinyl fluoride contains one fluorine atom and three hydrogen atoms per monomer unit and has been shown to cause no skin reaction in human beings.Excessive human exposure to fluoropolymer resin dust resulted in no toxic effects, although urinary fluoride content increased. 

Filled or compounded resins contain pigments, surfactants, and other additives to modify the plastic properties. These additives are likely to present risks and hazards in the processing of fluoropolymer compounds. For example, aqueous dispersions of fluoropolymers contain surfactants that may produce 

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