• What is PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to degradation, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." These substances accumulate over time in both the environment and living organisms, posing significant concerns for human and environmental health.

Among the most widely used PFAS are perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and its derivatives, prized for their stability and ability to reduce surface tension. They have increasingly replaced older PFAS compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) due to the growing awareness of the toxic effects of the latter. Despite being considered safer than PFOA and PFOS, PFHxA and its derivatives still pose environmental risks, as by-products from their manufacturing and cross-contamination with other PFAS contribute to environmental pollution. Because PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT), they can easily spread through air, soil, water, and dust, leading to widespread contamination and potential human exposure.

PFAS are commonly found in a variety of consumer products, including food packaging, textiles, and children’s items, due to their water-, stain-, and oil-repellent properties. In food packaging, PFAS prevent grease and liquids from soaking through. In textiles and clothing, they offer water- and stain-resistant features, while in children’s products, they provide added protection against dirt and stains.

As the health risks associated with PFAS become more recognized, efforts are increasing to limit their use and find safer alternatives.

• IST products pass PFAS testing