Uses

APFO is used primarily as a commercial polymerization aid in the manufacture of fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polyvinylidene fluoride (US Government 2003; OECD 2006; Prevedouros et al. 2006), which are used in various sectors, including the automotive, electronics, construction and aerospace industries. Fluoropolymers are used in the manufacture of stain- and water-resistant coatings on textiles and carpet; hoses, cable and gaskets; non-stick coatings on cookware; and personal care products (US Government 2003). APFO is also used as a constituent in aqueous fluoropolymer dispersions, which are formulated into paints, photographic film additives and in the textile finishing industry (OECD 2006). Aqueous fire-fighting foams may also contain APFO as a component (OECD 2006; Prevedouros et al. 2006). Fluorochemicals that are potential PFOA precursors are used in the treatment of food packaging materials to enhance their properties as a barrier to moisture and grease (Begley et al. 2005). Thus, although APFO is typically not intended to remain in manufactured articles, trace amounts may be present as a contaminant or degradation product.