PFOS is defined as "substances that persist in the environment, have biosaving properties and are harmful to humans". On 17 December 2006, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers jointly issued the Directive on the Restriction of the Marketing and Use of Perfluorooctane sulfonic Acid (2006/122/EC). PFOA, short for ammonium perfluorooctanoate, is banned under the general safety standards of the European Union Directive 2004/1935/EC.
As one of the most important chemical products in the 20th century, fluorinated organic compounds have been widely used in industrial production and domestic consumption. PFOS is the abbreviation of perfluorooctane sulfonate, and those substances that can be broken down into PFOS are called PFOS-related chemicals.
PFOS application
■ PFOS related chemicals for surface treatment, which can ensure the anti-fouling, anti-oil and waterproof of personal clothing, home decoration and car interior;
■ PFOS related chemicals for paper protection as part of slurry forming to ensure oil and water resistance of paper and board;1
■ Used in specialized industrial, commercial and consumer areas, this category includes various PFOS salts that are commercialized as end products.
PFOS hazard
Perfluorinated chemicals accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are harmful to both humans and wildlife. There is evidence that exposure to perfluorinated chemicals, including PFOS and PFOA, can cause birth defects, adversely affect the immune system, and disrupt thyroid function, which can lead to many developmental problems during pregnancy.
PFOS restrictions
On 27 December 2006, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers jointly issued the Directive on the Restriction of the Marketing and Use of Perfluorooctane sulfonic Acid (2006/122/EC), which entered into force on the date of publication, that is, 27 December 2006.
Member States have transposed the contents of the Directive into their national law by 27 December 2007;
Member States shall apply restrictive measures on 27 June 2008;
Fire fighting foam placed on the market on December 27, 2006 can continue to be used until June 27, 2011;
Before December 27, 2008, Member States shall publish: specific measures to reduce the use and discharge of PFOS in the electroplating industry, stocks of fire-fighting foam containing PFOS.
PFOS limit
1. If the product ingredient formula contains PFOS greater than 0.005% of the total weight (50ppm), it shall not be sold on the EU market;
2. Parts containing PFOS in semi-finished products or parts, if the concentration of PFOS is greater than 0.1% of the total weight of this part (1000ppm);
3. If the concentration of PFOS on textiles or coating materials is greater than 1 ug/m2, it cannot be sold on the EU market.
