About PFAS and PFOA

Question: I recently received a request for information about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products. I'm not familiar with these substances. What are they, and what kinds of products are they likely to be found in?

Answer: Per- and poly-fluoro alkyl substances, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), may occur as:

• Contaminants in fluoropolymers (e.g. PTFE/Teflon® resin, ePTFE/Gore-Tex® membrane, etc.). Potential uses or applications include:
  • • • Electrical insulation.
      • High-temperature coatings.
      • Non-reactive lubricants.
      • Medical implants.
      • Chemical-resistant analytic equipment (magnetic stir bars, tissue grinders, stoppers).
      • Oxygen sensor and related “breathable” membranes.
      • Oilfield (downhole/fracking) polymers.
• Intentionally added surfactants, oil/water/stain repellents, used on or in:
  • • Clothing and footwear.
    • Carpeting.
    • Seat covers, chairs, sofas, etc.
    • Cosmetics (e.g. lip gloss).
    • Fast food packaging.
    • Hydrophobic surface coatings.
    • Oleophobic or lipophobic surface coatings.
    • Firefighting foams.

For more information, see EU REACH and PFOA.

This article is current as of August 2021.