Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS, and many other chemicals, that have been manufactured in a variety of industries around the world since the 1940s.1 PFAS materials are used in the production of fluoropolymers like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). These fluoropolymers may be found in a variety of products, from electronics to high performance coatings and from cosmetics to printing inks.
Certain types of PFAS, such as PFOA, don’t break down in the environment or the human body, so there is evidence that exposure to them can lead to adverse human health effects. While research is ongoing to determine how PFAS affects human health, some studies in humans with PFAS exposure have shown that PFAS may:
- Interfere with the body’s natural hormones;
- Increase cholesterol levels;
- Affect the immune system;
- Increase the risk of some cancers;
- Scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposures to mixtures of PFAS.2
Because of health and environmental concerns, numerous regulatory agencies are implementing or considering limitations on the permissible content of PFAS species, including PFOA, in products produced or sold in their jurisdictions.
Eliminate PFAS from fluoropolymers to benefit the world.
1US Environmental Protection Agency
2Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
