Is GenX (HFPO-DA) safe for babies and kids?
Moderate risk for kidsInfants accumulate GenX (HFPO-DA) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
What is genx (hfpo-da)?
The IUPAC name is 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropoxy)propanoic acid.
Also known as: 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropoxy)propanoic acid, 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propionic acid, Propanoic acid, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropoxy)-, RefChem:441573.
- IUPAC name
- 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropoxy)propanoic acid
- CAS number
- 13252-13-6
- Molecular formula
- C6HF11O3
- Molecular weight
- 330.05 g/mol
- SMILES
- C(=O)(C(C(F)(F)F)(OC(C(C(F)(F)F)(F)F)(F)F)F)O
- PubChem CID
- 114481
Risk for babies
Moderate riskInfants accumulate GenX (HFPO-DA) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Elevated riskGenX (HFPO-DA) persists in maternal adipose tissue and is mobilized during pregnancy and lactation. Lipophilic pollutants concentrate in breast milk and cross the placenta during critical developmental windows.
Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.
Regulatory consensus
4 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified GenX (HFPO-DA). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | — | Not classified | GenX is not classified by IARC |
| EFSA | 2020 | Not included in 2020 group TWI for PFAS | EFSA 2020 group TWI focused on PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFOS |
| WHO | 2021 | Potential public health concern | Provisional guideline of 100 ng/L for drinking water |
| US EPA | 2024 | Maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 ng/L in drinking water | Established under 2024 NPDWR; same level as PFOA and PFOS individually |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter genx (hfpo-da)
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to GenX (HFPO-DA):
-
Process redesign to avoid hazardous intermediates
Trade-offs: May require significant R&D investment. Not always feasible.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is genx (hfpo-da) safe for kids?
Infants accumulate GenX (HFPO-DA) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
What products contain genx (hfpo-da)?
GenX (HFPO-DA) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to genx (hfpo-da)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about genx (hfpo-da)?
GenX (HFPO-DA) has been classified by 4 agencies including IARC, EFSA, WHO, US EPA, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See GenX (HFPO-DA) in the baby app
Look up products containing genx (hfpo-da), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM): Risk to Human Health Related to the Presence of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Food — Group TWI 4.4 ng/kg bw/week (sum PFOA+PFNA+PFHxS+PFOS); childhood vaccine antibody response as critical endpoint; fish, drinking water, food contact materials as primary exposure matrices (2020) (2020) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →