Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) was at one time manufactured in large quantities in the USA, mostly by 3M. It was a key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and numerous stain repellents.
When 3M discovered its toxic properties, they ceased producing PFOS in 2001 with the result that it is now only used, via other sources, in applications where it is difficult to replace. Its uses included, adhesives, paper and fabrics including coatings mainly for textiles, carpets and leather. Apparently 48 tons per year was used in the UK at one time. It was used as it provided "soil, water and oil" resistance.
Any product that provides resistance to water, dirt, oil, etc could potentially contain PFOS - water resistant coatings, adhesives that work under water or on wet surfaces might be possibilities. There are exemptions for its use in photolithography and in photographic films and so it is possibly present in photoresists and photographic paper.
There is also an exemption for its use in aviation hydraulic fluids and as a mist suppressant in hard chrome plating systems.
PFOS will be banned under the Marketing & Use Directive from 27th June 2008 (directive 2006/122/EC) in all applications except for these four specific exempted applications.
A related compound perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) is still made by 3M and other manufacturers and is also a surfactant that is used to provide water and stain resistance to fabrics and other materials. It is widely used as a processing aid for “Teflon ®”. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to eliminate its use in products by 2015. The EU is currently assessing this material and although there are no restrictions in EU at present, a ban could be imposed in the future if safer alternatives are economically feasible and are available.
Thanks to ERA Technology.
Directive Decoder
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