PFOS/PFOA
PFOS/PFOA introduction
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a fully fluorinated anion, widely used in the form of its salts, or incorporated into larger polymers. PFOS and its closely related compounds, which contain PFOS impurities or substances to the formation of PFOS, all belong to perfluoroalkyl sulfonate substances.With regulatory measures on PFOS, EU detect all molecular structures with the following formula: C8F17SO2Y ( Y = OH), metal salt or other salts, halide, amide as well as other derivatives including polymers (EU 2006).
As a representative of fluorinated organic compounds, PFOS, known as C8, is widely applied to surface treatment of textiles, leather products, furniture and carpets for its waterproofing and oil-resistance. It’s also used as intermediates for the production of paints, foam extinguishing agents, floor polish, pesticides and termite control agents for its chemical stability. In December 2002, PFOS was defined being persistent, bio-saving and harmful in the 34th OECD Chemical Committee meeting.
Since ban on ozone damaging substance CFC, PFOS containing products have been widely used in photoresist and parts cleaning during micro-electronics production. PFOS is also used in paper surface treatment and utensil production, nearly hundreds of products including paper food packaging materials and non-stick pans. In American Chemical Abstracts 96 different kinds of fluorinated organic compounds can release PFOS through degradation such as perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (POSF, intermediates or raw materials of perfluorinated compounds). Experimental results show that PFOS is without any observable decomposition in physical and chemical conditions and biodegradation also fails to destroy its chemical structure in anaerobic and aerobic conditions. It has been proved that aquatic food chain organisms can accumulate PFOS with PFOS concentration in fish up to 500-12000 times. PFOS in water transfers to high level creatures including human through aquatic organisms accumulation and food chain. At present, high concentrations of PFOS are found in higher animals. Many studies show that PFOS and PFOA are multi-organic and toxic environmental pollutants with Genetic toxicity, male reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, thyroid function interference, liver toxicity, developmental toxicity and endocrine disrupting. Now there is a rising clamour for bans on PFOS throughout the world.
Schedule
1.The draft is passed on 30 October 2006 and approved by Ministerial Council on 12 December 2006.The directive is issued and enter into force on 27 December 2006.
2. Member States shall adopt and publish the national laws to comply with this Directive on 27 December 2007.
3.Member States shall apply these measures from 27 June 2008.
Influence on enterprises
Full perfluorinated substances with long carbon chains, including PFOS, are lipid-waterproofing, therefore, PFOS-related substances are used as surface-active agents. Their extreme persistence make them suitable for high temperature and strong acids or bases contact. As perfluorinated substances are persistent by strong combination of carbon and fluorin, PFOS has been widely applied in civil and industrial production, mainly in carpets, leather products, garments, textiles, paper, packaging materials, paints and paint additives, industrial and household cleaning agents, pesticides and insecticides, foam fire extinguishers, photography, photolithography, semiconductor, hydraulic fluids, metal plating.
Limits
Restriction of PFOS products. May not be placed on the market or used as a substance or constituent of preparations in a concentration equal to or higher than 0.005 % by mass.
1. PFOS may not be placed on the market in semi-finished products or articles, or parts, if the concentration of PFOS is equal to or higher than 0.1 %(1000ppm) by mass.
2. For textiles or other coated materials, PFOS concentration may not be higher than 1 μg/m2.
PFOA Introduction
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts are suspected to have a similar risk profile to PFOS, and consequently the European Parliament has restricted on marketing and use of PFOA and its salts. PFOA and products deriving from it apply to surface treatment of home appliances (for example non-stick pan.) and packing of convenient foodstuff , Anti-fouling materials, fibers and fireproofing foam. European Commission is asked to keep under review the ongoing risk assessment activities ,the availability of safer alternatives and to define what kind of risk reduction measures, including sale and use restriction. It is concerned that PFOA is potential toxic, extensive incident and persistent to all ages, which draws close attention from American public and State Bureau. According to recordation, PFOA can result in hepatocellular adenomas and bladder cancer to animals, so it is listed in California Proposition 65. Coalition of environmental and labor groups have been looking for solutions.