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 utilised 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 Australia, the government has implemented several measures to manage and reduce PFAS contamination. The PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP), developed by the National Chemicals Working Group under the Heads of EPAs Australia and New Zealand, provides a comprehensive and nationally consistent approach to the environmental regulation of PFAS. The NEMP offers guidance on the investigation, assessment, and management of PFAS contamination, including setting guideline values for soil and water, and strategies for managing contaminated sites.
Additionally, Australia is a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, committing to phase out the production and use of certain PFAS compounds like PFOS and PFOA. The Department of Defence has also undertaken significant efforts to assess and remediate PFAS contamination resulting from the historical use of firefighting foams at military sites.
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 taken action to regulate or ban the use of PFAS in certain products, and some companies have voluntarily phased out these substances.
However, more research is needed globally to fully understand the scope and severity of PFAS contamination and to implement effective solutions to protect public health and the environment. Choosing PFAS-free coatings is crucial as it benefits both the environment and public health, addressing performance needs while aligning with sustainable and health-conscious practices.
PFAS Free Coating Technology - What are Polyfluoroalkyl Substances?
PFAS stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and is 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 speciality applications. As a result, most people living in developed nations have some PFAS in their bodies.
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 is 100% free of PFAS chemicals including PFOA & PFOS. New regulations restricting the usage of materials containing PFOA & PFOS mean that all industries need to address regulatory requirements in combination with product performance. PFAS-free solutions are crucial for addressing environmental and health concerns, making them a responsible choice for industries aiming to enhance durability and sustainability.
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 modification needs, all of which are 100% free of PFOA & PFOS.
What exemptions are due to end in 2022-2023?
Exemptions for the 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 utilise PFOA & PFOS in any of the oleophobic coatings
The Risks of PFAS in Coatings
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in coatings due to their excellent technical properties, such as resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, the use of PFAS in coatings poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health problems, including increased cholesterol, changes in thyroid function, and certain cancers. Pregnant women, fetuses, and children are particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure. Moreover, PFAS can persist in the environment for years, contaminating soil, water, and air, and accumulating in humans and wildlife. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has classified PFAS as substances of very high concern (SVHC), and regulatory bodies are taking steps to restrict their use.
Alternative Coating Solutions
In response to the growing concerns about PFAS, manufacturers are developing alternative coating solutions that are free from these harmful substances. Hydrophobic coatings, for example, are a type of coating that repels water and can be used as a substitute for PFAS-based coatings. These coatings are made from sustainable materials and are designed to provide similar performance characteristics to PFAS-based coatings. Additionally, PFAS-free hydrophobic coating technologies are being developed to address specific surface modification needs in various industries, including the food industry. These alternative coating solutions not only reduce the environmental impact of coatings but also provide a safer alternative for human health.
Benefits of PFAS-Free Coatings
PFAS-free coatings offer numerous benefits, including reduced environmental impact, improved human health, and regulatory compliance. By switching to PFAS-free coatings, manufacturers can reduce their environmental footprint and minimize the risk of PFAS contamination. Moreover, PFAS-free coatings can help reduce health risks associated with PFAS exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Furthermore, using PFAS-free coatings can help manufacturers comply with regulatory requirements and avoid potential legal and financial consequences.
Regulatory Environment and Future Outlook
The regulatory environment for PFAS is rapidly evolving, with many countries and regions implementing restrictions on the use of these substances. The European Union, for example, has classified PFAS as SVHC and is evaluating a proposal to restrict their use. The United Nations has also banned the production and use of certain PFAS under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants. As regulatory bodies continue to take action, manufacturers can expect increased scrutiny and potential restrictions on the use of PFAS in coatings. In response, manufacturers are developing PFAS-free coating solutions that meet regulatory requirements and provide a safer alternative for human health and the environment.
Real-World Applications
PFAS-free coatings are being used in a variety of real-world applications, including the food industry, textiles, and construction. In the food industry, PFAS-free coatings are being used to replace traditional non-stick coatings, providing a safer alternative for food packaging and processing. In textiles, PFAS-free coatings are being used to create water-repellent and stain-resistant fabrics. In construction, PFAS-free coatings are being used to protect buildings from corrosion and weathering. These applications demonstrate the potential of PFAS-free coatings to provide effective and sustainable solutions for various industries.