Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS for short, are a group of chemicals that are used in a wide range of products due to their water-, grease- and dirt-repellent properties. These substances are composed of carbon and fluorine atoms and are widely used due to their stability and resistance to chemical and thermal attack.

One common application of PFAS is in the coatings industry. PFAS coatings are applied to surfaces of materials such as textiles, paper, metals and plastics to give them water repellent and oil repellent properties. These coatings are known for their durability and resistance.

Despite their useful properties, PFASs have come under criticism because some variants have been classified as potentially harmful to health. Some PFAS compounds can accumulate in the environment and build up in organisms. As a result, intensive work is underway to regulate and replace PFASs in various applications.

Overall, PFAS coatings play an important role in various industries, but also require careful handling and monitoring to minimize potential environmental impacts and health risks.