PFOA PFOS Drective

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.

European Union ministers are collaborating with the European Parliament to secure early restrictions on perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS), chlorinated compounds used in applications including surface coatings, photolithography, production of microchips, and certain hydraulic fluids.

Commercially available in the form of salts, derivatives and polymers, PFOS-related substances have been used particularly to provide grease, oil and water resistance to textiles, carpets and paper, though industry is already turning to safer substitutes. Voting here on 25 October, MEPs agreed by 632 votes to 10 that EU-wide restrictions on PFOS should be imposed by mid-2008.

Informal negotiations between ministers and the Parliament's Environment Committee produced a mutually acceptable version of a European Commission proposal published in December 2005. The two sides have agreed to fast-track the legislation - and to impose even tougher restrictions.

While the Commission proposed setting a limit of 0.1 per cent by mass of PFOS in substances and preparations, MEPs and ministers have reduced the limit to 0.005 per cent. Stocks of fire-fighting foam containing PFOS are seen as a potential threat to the environment - as seen at the UK's Buncefield fuel depot fire in 2005, when foam contaminated local watercourses.

A Commission suggestion that such foams should be exempted was rejected. Instead, the legislation will allow 54 months' continued use of PFOS foam supplied in the 12 months before the legislation enters into force.

PFOS will be allowed in aviation hydraulic fluids and in minor industrial applications, though the Commission is mandated to propose further restrictions as safer alternatives become available.

However, MEPs have dropped demands for EU restrictions on perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) which they fear may also present significant risks.

Instead, the Commission has been asked to monitor ongoing PFOA studies such as those being carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

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