Comparative Toxicity of Halogenated Hydrocarbons: Molecular Aspects

Abstract : The comparative hepatotoxicities of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and the tri-and tetra-oligomers of chloro- trifluoro ethylene (CTFE) have been investigated in the rat and guinea pig. All compounds have been identified as causing hepatomegaly, peroxisome proliferation and cytochrome P4504A1 induction in the rat. The guinea pig is non-responsive to these compounds and the observed liver changes appear to be specific to lower rodent species. The implications of this study are that the above compounds do not represent a health hazard to man.