1. What are PFAS
The full name of PFAS is perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of synthetic chemical compounds. Due to the extreme stability of the "carbon-fluorine" bond, PFAS is nearly indegradable in the environment and can persist for extended periods, hence being referred to as "permanent chemicals.".
R1: "PFAS" must be translated as "foam." The uses of PFAS are extremely diverse. With its excellent properties of being waterproof, oil-resistant, and heat-resistant, it is widely present in our daily lives, such as: non-stick cookware coatings; oil-proof packaging for hamburgers and fried chicken; outerwear like raincoats and stain-resistant shoe uppers; firefighting foam; and long-lasting waterproof cosmetics.
Although PFAS is "highly effective," it has a fatal flaw: it is nearly impossible to break down in the environment and is difficult for the human body to metabolize. Once it enters our bodies, it lingers for extended periods, gradually accumulating in tissues such as the liver and blood. Over time, it causes multiple health harms.
II. Common PFAS Classifications
1. PFCAs (perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids): PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid), C9-C14 PFCAs, etc.
2. PFSAs (perfluoroalkyl sulfonates): PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), PFHxS (perfluorohexyl sulfonate), etc.
3. Fluorinated polyether compounds: such as 6:2 FTOH, 8:2 FTOH, fluorinated polyether sulfonic/phosphonic esters, etc.
4. Perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides: such as FOSA, MeFOSA, EtFOSA, etc.
5. Novel Substitute PFAS: GenX, ADONA, F-53B, etc. (Alternatives to PFAS)
Latest developments in the US market
Up to now, more than ten states have formulated PFAS related policies for wearable and non wearable textiles and home decor products. It is worth noting that personal protective equipment and other products used by firefighters are not subject to the textile category regulatory framework and require separate special regulations to be formulated
Maine, Vermont, and Washington, with few exceptions, prohibit the sale or distribution of textiles or textile home products containing intentionally added PFAS from 2026 onwards. Outdoor clothing used in extremely humid environments will receive an additional transition period, and some states will postpone the ban until 2028. This phased elimination mechanism aims to leave time for manufacturers and suppliers to identify and implement suitable alternative solutions
Illinois's newly enacted House Bill 2516 prohibits the sale of close fitting clothing containing PFAS (such as underwear, briefs, socks, etc.) from 2032 onwards.
Starting from January 1, 2028, New Mexico will completely ban the sale of textiles and textile home products containing intentionally added PFAS.
Harmful information of TPCH packaging: It is prohibited to intentionally add PFAS in packaging and packaging components, and no PFAS shall be detected in any packaging or packaging components.
In addition, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently launched a new initiative called PFAS OUTreach - or PFAS OUT - to work with communities and water supply systems to reduce exposure risks to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in drinking water ahead of federal regulatory compliance deadlines.
