October 2024
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that are characterized by their carbon-fluorine bonds. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are two of the most used PFAS. PFAS are now being referred to as “forever chemicals” based on their ability to move large distances in the environment once released and do not break down quickly. Since PFAS do not break down quickly, they will begin to accumulate both in the environment and within the human body; human epidemiology studies have consistently shown an increase in cholesterol among those exposed, as well as some limited findings in:
- Neurotoxicity (relating to the nervous system)
- Immunotoxicity (relating to the immune system)
- Reproductive concerns such as low infant birth weights and fertility
- Developmental concerns such as thyroid hormone disruption and cancer
PFAS have been used in consumer products since the 1950s because of their excellent resistance to water, stains, and flames. Products such as stain and water-repellant fabrics, nonstick cookware (e.g., Teflon), cleaning products, wear and friction-type applications utilizing PTFE lubricants (PFOA is used to manufacture PTFE), flame retardant products [utilizes PTFE and/or K Perfluorobutane sulfonate (KPFBS)], etc.
New regulations are bringing PFAS into the spotlight and now require reporting and/or prohibition in certain applications as dictated by federal and state laws. The most impactful rule was established in October of 2023 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires reporting and recordkeeping of PFAS manufactured or imported commercially at any time since 2011 per Section 8(a)(7) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TCSA). Additional state laws, current or upcoming, include, but are not limited to:
- Prohibiting products or packaging containing PFAS to be labeled as recyclable or compostable
- Prohibiting products or packaging containing PFAS in textile articles, cosmetics, consumer, furniture, and food packaging markets
- Reporting of products or packaging containing PFAS used in cookware or consumer markets
No United States federal or European regulation currently prohibits the use of PFAS fully, only some state regulations specific to certain markets or products. Currently, the reporting regulations allow the EPA and other regulatory bodies to collect more data and information on the effects of PFAS and ascertain the impact of eliminating all fluoropolymers, not just PFAS. The topic of PFAS will continue to be evaluated and hold mind share in the coming years as more regulations and laws are passed.
The Engineering Team at Chase Plastics is technically equipped to walk you through any analysis needed to offer material recommendations. Give us a call at 844-411-2427 or send an email to engineering@chaseplastics.com to get support on any of your technical questions today!
If you have questions on the topic above or another issue to tackle, please submit your inquiry in the questions/contact form to the right. Someone from our Technical Team will be in touch within 2 hours!
Do note that the information above is current as of the date of this letter. This declaration replaces all previous ones relating to this subject matter.