DEQ-CFW_00078607

This document contains a summary of preliminary information and is shared with local health departments as a
means of providing awareness of currently available information, and as a tool to maintain consistency in
communicating. This document is not a regulatory communication and is not intended as an official statement from
N.C. DHHS or for public distribution or posting to public web sites.
Questions and Answers Regarding Health Effects Associated with GenX (2,3,3,3 -
tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propioitic acid, ammonium salt, CAS# 62037-80-3)
What is GenX?
GenX is a trade name for a chemical used in the manufacturing of nonstick coatings and for
other purposes. GenX is part of the fluorinated family of compounds that includes the
chemicals PFOS and PFOA. In response to concerns about environmental and human health
effects of PFOA, companies recently began producing GenX commercially as a PFOA
replacement. However, the same chemical is also produced::a:s::::a::::::byproduct during other
manufacturing processes that have been used for many years. Therefore, this same compou I 11,
might have been present in the environment for many years before it was being produced
commercially as GenX.
Has the state or federal government made health recommendations for other chemicals
related
U.S. EPA has published:::hoalth::advisory levels for PFOA/PFOS, which are in the same family of
chemicals as Gen X.2 Howe:VdK��Ihese levels should not be used for evaluating the health risks of
GenX due to differences in chemical structure that can affect how the chemical interacts with
the body.
How can GenX affect my health?
Limited health information is available for GenX. PFOA and PFOS (chemicals that are part of the
same family of fluorinated compounds) were recently reviewed by the EPA. The most common
effects observed in laboratory tests were kidney and testicular cancer, impaired fetal
development, and effects on the liver, thyroid, and immune system. It is expected that
Preliminary Information - Revised June 19, 2017
DEQ-CFW-00078607

This document contains a summary of preliminary information and is shared with local health departments as a
means ofproviding awareness g[currently available information, and asotool mmaintain consistency in
communicating. This document is not a regulatory communication and is not intended as an official statementfirom
N.[nHHSurfhrpubhtdistributionorpnsbngtopubhcw/abs/us.
exposure tosufficient amounts ofGenXorother related chemicals might uausesonneoraUof
these health effects. However, current data suggest that adverse health effects are unlikely to
occur atthe levels detected inthe Cape Fear River during 2O13-2O14.|fyou are concerned
about your health, please speak with your medical provider.
Are there home water filtration systems that can remove GmnX?
At this time, there is not sufficient information to support the use of any specific filtration
method (e.g. reverse osmosis, granular activated removal ofGenX. Research
into the effectiveness ofspecific filtrations methods is o d new information will be
shared as it becomes available.
ar KlIverr
nts is available at
Substances Are Important Drinking Water Contaminants inthe Cape Fear River
Science & Technology Letters. Nov znzs oo|:ozzuz1/ao.estieuabnuseo.
Prehminoryknfonnotion Revised June 19\J027