What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for Per- and Poly- Fluorinated Alkyl Substances. PFAS are a large group of complex synthetic chemicals that have been used in the industry and consumer products around the world since the 1950s. They are used to give water, oil, and dirt repellent effect in various everyday products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, firefighting foams etc. Nearly 70% of the PFAS produced worldwide by volume are four chemicals namely PFOS (Perfluoro octanesulfonic acid), PFOA (Perfluoro octanoic acid), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFHxS (Perfluoro hexanesulfonic acid). The remaining 30% is comprised of nearly 4000 different PFAS for applications in diverse sectors from textiles, paints and coatings to cosmetics, electronics and automotive.