Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a manmade chemical that may be generated in the production of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowders. PTFE micropowders are commonly used in fluoropolymer coatings, electronics, inks and cosmetics to improve various critical performance properties. However, there has been increasing scrutiny about the potential lasting effects of PFOA and other PFAS of interest on the environment and the human body.
With the latest technology, manufacturers can eliminate PFOA and other PFAS of interest down to non-detectable levels, while maintaining all of the performance benefits of PTFE micropowders. Below are three benefits of PFOA removal from PTFE micropowders.
1. Achieve Lower PFOA Levels
After these health and environmental concerns came to light, numerous global agencies, including REACH and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have been introducing limitations on the permissible content of PFOA in products produced or sold in their jurisdiction. New regulations will become increasingly more strict, and may require manufacturers to decrease PFOA levels to below 25 ppb. By using Fixpure™ to permanently eliminate PFOA and other PFAS of interest to non-detectable levels, you will be able to achieve lower levels than other PFOA removal techniques. This will enable you to get ahead of forthcoming regulations, ensure continuation of your product lines and potentially gain a competitive advantage.
2. Improve your Safety and Environmental Profile
PFOA never breaks down in the environment or in the human body making it a risk to public health. The chemical structure of PFOA causes it to attach onto cells permanently. It has been identified in bodies of water and in a variety of land and water animals around the world.1 Studies have also found PFOA present at very low levels in almost everyone’s blood around the world.2 Research has shown that it increases cholesterol, affects the immune system, increases the risk of cancer and more. Permanently eliminating PFOA and other PFAS of interest from your PTFE micropowder ensures a safer world. Furthermore, by selecting a sustainable manufacturing partner, you can permanently eliminate PFOA and other PFAS of interest without creating process waste and water waste.
3. Protect your Security of Supply
Regulatory and market dynamics are constantly changing in the PTFE micropowder space. By approving a reliable supply chain option, you are securing supply of compliant PTFE micropowder. This will increase your supply chain flexibility and safeguard you from unforeseen circumstances.
Eliminating PFOA and other PFAS of interest doesn’t just benefit your product. It benefits the world.
At Inhance Technologies, we have more than 40 years of experience developing the science of better to drive global change. This is why PFOA removal is so important in the production of PTFE micropowder.
Learn more about how to remove PFOA from PTFE micropowders with Fixpure.
1 CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFOA_FactSheet.html
2 American Cancer Society