PFAS

PFAS is the collective name of approx. 10,000 different chemical substances. They have in common that they alle contain fluoride and carbon. Different abbreviations are used like PFC, PFTE, PFOS, PFOA, etc. A brand like Teflon® also belongs to the term PFAS.

Ban against PFAS substances

In the EU they are working on banning PFAS through the REACH regulation. This is primarily due to the long degradation time of these substances in the environment resulting in an accumulation in food chains.

Some PFAS substances are already regulated and banned. But the huge ban against PFAS substances is expected to last for 2-5 years. However, nothing is certain. You can read more about the ban of PFAS substances on ECHA's website: www.echa.europa.eu/da/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas
 

The presence of PFAS

PFAS is used for miscellaneous technical purposes. Among other things as water-repelling additives in textiles, non-sticking effects on pans and other food contact materials, additives in lubricating oils and lubricants as well as in fire extinguishing foam.

In Bureau Veritas HSE we can advise you on product safety, how you identify PFAS in products and how you may handle inquiries from customers and suppliers.