Scientists use “PFCs” as an abbreviation for two distinct but related sets of chemicals. Whenever you see the abbreviation, make sure you understand how the author/publisher is using it.

• perfluorinated chemicals, or
• a subset of perfluorinated chemicals called perfluorocarbons.

Perfluorinated Chemicals

Perfluorinated chemicals is a term that some scientists use to refer to the group of toxic chemicals that includes PFOA and PFOS and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Organizations that have used the abbreviation "PFCs", referring to perfluorinated chemicals, include EPA, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.N. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. EPA is now trying to use “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)” rather than "perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)" consistently to collectively describe PFOA, PFOS and the other chemicals in this group.

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Perfluorocarbons

• Both perfluorocarbon and PFAS molecules contain fluorine and carbon atoms.
• Both persist in the environment for long periods.
• PFAS are not found naturally in the environment. The same is true for perfluorocarbons, with the exception that small amounts of one perfluorocarbon, carbon tetrafluoride, are emitted from granite.

• Unlike PFAS molecules, which can include oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur and/or nitrogen atoms, perfluorocarbon molecules contain only carbon and fluorine atoms.
• Perfluorocarbons are used in and emitted from different applications and industries than PFASs are.
• The effects of perfluorocarbons on human health and the environment are substantially different than the effects of PFASs:

• Perfluorocarbons are not toxic, and there are no direct health effects associated with exposures to them. The health effects and exposures information found on the Basic Information about PFASs page does not apply to perfluorocarbons.

• However, perfluorocarbons are among the most potent and longest-lasting type of greenhouse gases emitted by human activities; the chief impact of environmental concern is global climate change. Some Clean Air Act regulations apply to perfluorocarbons. If you view an EPA web page about atmospheric or climate issues or programs, and you see the term "PFCs", that page is likely to be referring to perfluorocarbons, rather than to the larger set of perfluorinated chemicals (PFASs). EPA programs that seek to understand and reduce emissions of perfluorocarbons include the:
  • Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program,
  • Stationary Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Program,
  • Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, and
  • Fluorinated Gas Partnership Programs.

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