At a conference, which took place in the premises of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Berlin, Germany on March 6 and 7, 2014, experts discussed the human health risks arising from per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs). In the press release published March 5, 2014 the BfR states that PFCs have shown to be carcinogenic and toxic for reproduction in animal tests. At higher concentrations they may harm the nephritic system. PFCs have been measured in food, food contact materials, drinking water, dust, indoor air and consumer products. The presentations given at the conference showed that the concentration of PFCs in blood increases from child-to adulthood. Also discussed were associations between PFC exposure and elevated serum lipid contend, the immune system and elevated blood pressure. The BfR concludes that it remains unclear how the low, but chronic exposure affects public health.
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BfR (March 5, 2014). „Perfluorierte und polyfluorierte Alkylsubstanzen auf dem Prüfstand.“ (in German).
