Toxic substances list: four fluorotelomer-based substances assessed under the New Substances Program

Fluorotelomer-based substances are industrial chemicals that belong to the broad class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a class of over 4,700 human-made substances. In April 2021, the Government of Canada indicated that it is considering activities that would address PFAS as a class. Visit the PFAS web page for the latest information on publications and actions taken under the Government's Chemicals Management Plan related to PFAS.

The four fluorotelomer-based substances added to the List of Toxic Substances and their associated Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RN)ⁱ are:

1. Hexane, 1,6-diisocyanato-, homopolymer, reaction products with alpha-fluoro-omega-2-hydroxyethyl-poly(difluoro- methylene), C16-20-branched alcohols and 1-octadecanol (CAS RN 1246542-93-7)
2. 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, hexadecyl ester, polymers with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, gamma-omega-perfluoro-C10-16-alkyl acrylate and stearyl methacrylate (CAS RN 203743-03-7)
3. 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-methylpropyl ester, polymer with butyl 2-propenoateand 2,5 furandione, gamma-omega-perfluoro-C8-14-alkyl esters, tert-Bu benzenecarboperoxoate-initiated (CAS RN 459415-06-6)
4. 2-propen-1-ol, reaction products with pentafluoroiodoethane tetrafluoroethylene telomer,dehydroiodinated, reaction products with epichlorohydrin and triethylenetetramine (CAS RN 464178-90-3)

The four fluorotelomer-based substances are polymers that contain perfluorinated alkyl moieties (contain carbon atoms that are completely saturated by fluorine) through the application of fluorotelomer chemistry. It is the strength of the carbon-fluorine bonds that contributes to the extreme stability and unique properties of these fluorinated chemicals.

Fluorotelomer-based substances have water, oil, dirt and grease repellent properties and can be found in surface treatments for fabric, leather, rugs and carpets, as well as stone and tile; in sizing agents (to resist the spreading and penetration of liquids) for packaging and paper products; and in levelling agents (to provide an even surface) for coatings.

For more information on LC-PFCAs precursors like the four fluorotelomer-based substances, please visit the Management of toxic substances web page on LC-PFCAs, their salts and precursors.