Recently, there have been increasing concerns regarding PFAS in the consumer goods. PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals and is restricted in many countries.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom (i.e. at least one aliphatic -CF2- or -CF3- element). PFAS includes PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid), PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) and many other chemicals.
PFAS can impart oil, water, stain, and soil repellency, chemical and temperature resistance, friction reduction, and surfactant properties to products and have been widely used in the past.
PFAS has been found in food packaging materials (paper and paperboard for food packaging), consumer products including stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting leather and apparel, non-stick cookware (e.g. Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams.
Certain PFAS, e.g. PFOA and PFOS have been found very persistent in the human body, and can lead to adverse health outcomes. Animal studies indicate PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects. Both chemicals have caused tumours.
Click here or sand the QR code to download the PDF of PFAS Global Regulations Overview
For more information,please contact Intertek Harlines.
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