Chemical Families: Sometimes Similar, But Far From the Same
A “chemical family” can be defined as a group of elements that have certain similar properties and can form compounds with some similar properties.
However, there can be significant differences among the many compounds that are part of a chemical “family.” Chemicals that seem similar can have vastly different structures, uses and health and environment profiles, and each chemical in a family has its own distinct characteristics. For example, diamonds, charcoal and graphite are all forms of carbon, but have highly different properties.
Grouping chemical substances into a category or class is sometimes done by regulators to conduct initial screening, streamline testing, or support hazard or risk assessment, but is not meant to be used to define an entire group of chemicals.
The following are examples of several chemical families that include chemicals with different structures, uses and safety profiles within them:
The following video, infographic and one-pagers developed by the American Chemistry Council demonstrate how chemicals that may seem very similar at first glance actually have very different structures, uses and safety profiles.
Video: Chemical Families
Why Chemical Families are Like Berries
Misconceptions about Chemical Families: Let’s Break it Down
The Myth vs. the Truth about Banning Chemical Families
Relevant Articles
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants refer to a variety of substances that are added to combustible materials to help prevent fires from starting or to slow the spread of fire and provide additional escape time.
Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials are substances or mixtures of substances used to destroy or suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi on inanimate objects and surfaces.
Silicones
Silicones are a diverse family of specialty, high-performance materials used in many consumer and industrial products.
PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) / Fluorinated Chemistries
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often referred to as PFAS or fluorotechnology, are a diverse group of chemistries characterized by the strong bond between fluorine and carbon.
BPA (Bisphenol A)
BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins that are essential to a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including many applications important to public health and food safety.
High Phthalates
Phthalates are a family of chemical compounds primarily used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or vinyl, flexible and pliant.
