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Sales of PFAS, which cost approximately $20 per kilogram, generate a total industry profit of $4 billion per year on 16% profit margins. [31] Due to health concerns, several companies have ended or plan to end the sale of PFAS or products that contain them; these include W. L. Gore & Associates (the maker of Gore-Tex), H&M, Patagonia, REI, and 3M.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (conjugate base perfluorooctanesulfonate) is a chemical compound having an eight-carbon fluorocarbon chain and a sulfonic acid functional group, and thus it is a perfluorosulfonic acid and a perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). It is an anthropogenic (man-made) fluorosurfactant, now regarded as a global pollutant.
PFOSA, a persistent organic pollutant, was an ingredient in 3M's former Scotchgard formulation [1] [2] from 1956 until 2003, and the compound was used to repel grease and water in food packaging [3] along with other consumer applications. [4] It breaks down to form perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). [5]
PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large family of chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of products and industries because of their unique stain- and ...
A new EU drinking water directive issued in 2020 adopted PFAS limit values. The limit values are 0.1 μg/L for the sum of 20 PFASs including PFHxS, and 0.5 μg/L for the sum of all PFASs. This directive is binding for all EU member nations. It is a minimum directive, and member states can elect to adopt stricter regulations. [19]
Studies have shown that the chemicals have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems as well as cancerous tumors.
PFAS accumulates in the body, which is why EPA set their limits for drinking water at 4 parts per trillion for two common types — PFOA and PFOS — that are phased out of manufacturing but still are present in the environment. Health experts say low doses of the chemicals can build up in the body over time, so even small amounts are a problem.
Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA) is not a medication and does not have any approved medical uses. It is widely used as an industrial chemical, and is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the body. Numerous studies point to its negative health effects. [23] [24] It has been detected in the blood of people and animals worldwide.