What are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, represents a class of substances. According to statistics from the U.S. EPA, there are more than 10,000 PFAS substances. Contains substances such as PFOS, PFOA, C9-C14 PFCA, PFHxS, etc. Features:
● Durability
● Long distance mobility
● Bioaccumulative
● Biological toxicity
● Can have long-term adverse effects on environmental organisms and human health.
PFAS pollution sources in the textile industry
The sources of PFAS pollution in the textile industry are generally considered to be three-proof finishing agents (waterproof, oilproof, and antifouling) and some polymers (such as PTFE molds used in the production process), which are widely used in antifouling, waterproof fabrics and In textile consumer goods such as carpets, leather and clothing. At present, many countries and regions around the world have restricted PFAS, and banning PFAS has become a general trend.
Global control trends
C8
POPs regulations: effective in 2019 and 2020 respectively;
PFOS and its derivatives ≤10 mg/kg (for substances and mixtures), <1ug/㎡ (for textiles or other coating materials), <0.1% (for semi-finished products or substances);
PFOA and its salts ≤0.025 mg/kg;
PFOA related substances ≤1 mg/kg.
C9-C14
REACH Annex XVII: Effective in February 2023.
C9-C14 PFCAs and their salts ≤0.025 mg/kg;
C9-C14 PFCAs related substances ≤0.26 mg/kg.
C6
POPs regulations: effective in August 2023;
PFHxS and its salts and related substances: PFHxS or any of its salts ≤ 0.025 mg/kg; PFHxS related substances ≤ 1 mg/kg;
REACH Appendix XVII: Proposal Stage;
PFHxA and its salts and related substances ≤0.025 mg/kg;
PFHxA related substances ≤1 mg/kg.
PFAS
California AB 1817:
Starting from January 1, 2025, total organic fluorine (TOF) ≤100 ppm;
Starting from January 1, 2027, total organic fluorine (TOF) ≤50 ppm.