Facts

Scientists agree: not all PFAS compounds are the same

PFAS refers to a class of chemicals known as per- and poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS).  These compounds are a “chemical class with diverse molecular structures and physical, chemical and biological properties,” according to the OECD, which recognizes that “the term ‘PFASs’ does not inform whether a compound is harmful or not, but only communicates that the compounds under this term share the same trait for having a fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon moiety.” These compounds can be involatile or volatile, water soluble or water insoluble, reactive or inert, and bioaccumulative or non-bioaccumulative.

While U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified more than 10,000 materials that are likely to meet the broadest definition of PFAS, the number of PFAS compounds that are currently being manufactured or used in the United States today is closer to 700. Sustainable PFAS Action Network (SPAN) members employ programs and policies that ensure their production and/or acquisition of commercially active PFAS compounds complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. 

As an organization dedicated to the responsible and science-based regulation of PFAS compounds, SPAN supports responsible management solutions for scientifically identified persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) substances. American manufacturers voluntarily phased out the commercial production and use of PFOA and PFOS, two chemically unique PFAS compounds, due to their PBT properties. Manufacturers have worked in collaboration with regulatory agencies to report their progress as they completed the phase out of production and use of PFOS in 2002 and PFOA by 2015. SPAN members are engaged in efforts to identify and evaluate alternative chemicals as PFAS substitutes meeting their technical performance standards are developed.

Key Attributes & Industry Applications of Fundamental Compounds

FLUOROPOLYMERS

Fluoropolymers are typically solid materials with unique performance properties that make them fundamental components in products that must perform under the toughest conditions. In general, fluoropolymers meet the OECD criteria as being polymers of low concern (PLC) to human health and the environment.

    • Not bioavailable or bioaccumulative (i.e., non-toxic) – large molecular size prevents fluoropolymers from entering human cells passively; lacks properties allowing to bind to surface cell receptors¹

    • Non-mobile in the environment - fluoropolymers are not water soluble and do not absorb to soil¹


    ¹ Henry et al., A critical review of the application of polymer of low concern and regulatory criteria to fluoropolymers, 2018

    • Medical – medical devices (ie. surgically implanted stents, MRI machines), pharmaceutical active ingredients, catheters and guidewires, respirator components

    • Electronics – mobile cellular devices, TV’s, computers, semiconductor manufacturing

    • Automotive – electric vehicle batteries, fuel system components, sensors for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles

    • Aerospace, Defense, Space – metal plating and manufacturing, sealants, lubricants, coatings, composite aircraft component manufacturing, wiring

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

    • A unique fluoropolymer that is extremely stable and resistant to degradation unless exposed to extreme temperatures or chemicals harmful to human health

    • Demonstrated medical safety – Peer reviewed scientific studies of patients with implanted PTFE cardiovascular medical devices “demonstrate no chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity and no reproductive, developmental, or endocrine toxicity.”¹

    Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE)

    • A unique fluoropolymer that provides exception moisture barrier and chemical resistance

    • Medical applications – PCTFE enables modern pharmaceutical packaging by safely delivering and preserving pharmaceuticals; each application undergoes FDA review

    ¹ Henry et al., A critical review of the application of polymer of low concern and regulatory criteria to fluoropolymers, 2018

 
 

FLUOROTELOMERS

As liquids, C6 fluorotelomer-based products feature unique wetting and spreading features, as well as unique properties that repel liquids. Many C6 fluorotelomers have undergone extensive regulatory reviews by the EPA prior to commercial introduction.

 
 

FLUORINATED GASES

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are short chain substances (≤ C5 chains) that do not meet the criteria of being classified as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances (PBT). As some of the most studied compounds in use today, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are included under the broadest definitions of PFAS compounds, nevertheless, they do not share the same characteristics as most members of the PFAS compound class.

The U.S. EPA uses a narrower definition of PFAS than the OECD or the REACH restriction proposal to call for evidence, to develop a starting list of PFAS, to be used in developing its national PFAS testing strategy. For example, the US EPA is using a working structural definition of PFAS for which reporting would be required. HFOs are not presently among the PFAS currently listed or targeted for any specific Agency action. HFOs are environmentally-preferable fluorinated substances that are a key pathway to help decarbonize our economy, mitigate the effects of ground-level smog formation, avert climate change and phase down potent greenhouse gases.

    • Non-persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic (PBT), non- or mildly-flammable, low global warming potential (GWP)

    • The United Nations, the U.S. EPA and the California Air Resource Board (CARB) have all deemed HFOs to be acceptable and pose no risk to public health

    • Low-global-warming-potential, non-ozone-depleting and energy efficient

    • More than one billion dollars has been invested in HFO technology anticipating the need for lower-GWP solutions to address climate change

    • Personal care and aerosols

    • Medical

    • Construction and insulation

    • Refrigerants

    • Air Conditioning

    • Cleaning solvents