PFHxS

Synonyms: Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid

CAS Number: 355-46-4

Sources of exposure:

Firefighting foam; stain-resistant carpets and textiles; food packaging; contaminated water and food; household dust

Description:

PFHxS is a long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) historically used in firefighting foams and stain-, grease-, and water-resistant treatments for carpets, textiles, upholstery, and other materials. Exposure may occur through contaminated drinking water and food, household dust, treated products, and occupational contact with firefighting foam or fluorochemical processes. PFHxS is extremely persistent, bioaccumulative, and capable of remaining in the human body for many years. Epidemiological and toxicological studies raise concerns about possible effects on immune function, thyroid hormones, the liver, lipid metabolism, fetal development, and reproduction, although uncertainties remain. Because this PFAS is environmentally persistent and may remain mobile or bioaccumulative depending on its structure and exposure setting, the glossary applies a precautionary approach where long-term hazard and exposure information is limited.

Health concerns:

No specific health concerns have been flagged for this chemical.

Banned/restricted lists:

Stockholm Convention Annex A
EU POPs Regulation
Minnesota Amara's Law

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Million Marker's Ingredient Hazard Scoring uses multiple chemical databases and a science-backed scoring system to compute hazard scores for thousands of chemicals found in consumer products and listed on ingredient labels.

We identified key chemicals based on a database compiling dozens of authoritative sources, screening tools, and QSAR models.

Hazard scores within 11 different health categories (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxicants, developmental toxicants, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, immunotoxicity, respiratory toxicity, skin/eye/respiratory irritants, and ecotoxicity).

They are weighted based on several factors, including strength of evidence for adverse impacts in humans, severity, and potential contamination.