Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products for decades. They are highly resistant to heat, water, and oil, and have been utilized in the production of non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams, among others. Unfortunately, PFAS have been associated with a number of adverse health effects, including cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, immune system dysfunction, and thyroid hormone disruption.
One of the main concerns with PFAS is their persistence in the environment. Due to their chemical structure, PFAS do not break down readily in soil, water, or air, and can remain in the environment for years or even decades. They have been detected in groundwater, surface water, soil, and air, and have also been found in fish, wildlife, and human blood and tissues. As a result, PFAS contamination has become a major environmental and public health issue, and efforts are underway to better understand and remediate these substances.
To address PFAS contamination, a number of regulatory and management approaches have been initiated around the world.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established health advisory levels for two types of PFAS, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and is currently examining whether to regulate these compounds under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Several states have also taken action to regulate or ban the use of PFAS in certain products, and some companies have voluntarily phased out their use of these substances. However, more research is needed to fully understand the scope and severity of PFAS contamination, and to implement effective solutions to protect public health and the environment.
PFAS Free Coating Technology - What are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and are manufactured chemicals used in products that resist heat, oil, stains and water. The chemicals have been used in Australia and around the world in many common household products and specialty applications. As a result, most people living in developed nations have some PFAS in their body.
Legacy firefighting foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as active ingredients were once used extensively worldwide due to their effectiveness in fighting liquid fuel fires. Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is also commonly found in the legacy firefighting foam as an impurity in the manufacturing process.
PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS belong to the PFAS group of chemicals.
The release of PFAS into the environment has become a concern, because we’ve learned these chemicals can persist in humans, animals and the environment.
Nanokote’s range of coatings are all 100% free of PFAS chemicals including PFOA & PFOS. With new regulations restricting usage of materials containing PFOA & PFOS is meaning that all industries are needing to address regulatory requirements in combination with product performance.
Production and use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), along with numerous other related compounds, has been globally banned as agreed under the UN’s Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants. This ban recently entered into force for more than 160 countries in 2019. While there are numerous exemptions to the ban, they are all due to expire in 2022-2023. With the end of these exemptions soon to come into effect, teflon® and coatings which contain PFOA & PFOS are soon to be completely banned in over 160 countries. Nanokote offers alternative coating solutions for your surface modifications needs, all of which are 100% free of PFOA & PFOS.
What exemptions are due to end in 2022-2023?
Exemptions for use of PFOA & PFOS containing substances for all remaining exempt applications are due to end in 2022-2023 in the EU and numerous other regions.
Nanokote has a wide range of PFOA & PFOS free hydrophobic coating technologies to address new restrictions.
Nanokote does not utilize PFOA & PFOS in any of the oleophobic coatings