P.F.A.S. – What does this acronym even mean?

It comes from “per- and PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances“, which in short means that these chemicals share in common the presence of carbon-fluorine bonds, giving them unique properties:

  • Water and chemical resistance
  • High-temperature resistance
  • Non-stick properties

Brothers, sisters and cousins: All Toxic!

The term PFAS refers to a vast family of over 4,700 chemical compounds!

To keep it simple, here’s a quick profile of the 5 most well-known and studied types of PFAS:

PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonate):

  • Uses:
    • Firefighting foams
    • Waterproof textiles
    • Waterproof coatings
    • Surfactants
  • Status: Banned in most countries.

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid):

  • Uses:
    • Non-stick coatings (Teflon)
    • Wetting agents
    • Food packaging
    • Household products
  • Status: Undergoing phase-out.

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene):

  • Uses:
    • Non-stick cookware coatings (Teflon)
    • Medical implants
    • Electrical wires
    • Filtration membranes
  • Status: Does not degrade easily in the environment.

PFBS (Perfluorobutane Sulfonate):

  • Alternative to PFOS in some products.
  • Uses:
    • Stain-resistant coatings
    • Wetting agents
    • Impregnation products
    • Cosmetics
  • Status: Less toxic than PFOS, but still concerning.

PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic Acid):

  • Uses:
    • Firefighting foams
    • Waterproof textiles
    • Waterproof coatings
    • Surfactants
  • Status: Less toxic than PFOA, but bioaccumulative.
The PFAS family and their varied applications

A landscape in constant evolution

The PFAS family is complex and constantly evolving. It is crucial to continue researching and assessing the risks associated with these substances to protect human health and the environment.

Our Solutions to Avoid PFAS