BLC News
PFOS testing
19th January, 2011
PFOS is a fully fluorinated anion, widely used as the surface treatment of textiles, leather products, paper, furniture and carpets for its waterproofing and oil-resistance. It is also used as an intermediate for the production of paints, foam extinguishing agents, floor polish, pesticides and termite control agents for its chemical stability.
In December 2002, PFOS was classified as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) in the 34th OECD Chemical Committee meeting. Consequently, the European Parliament placed a restriction on the marketing and use of PFOS and its salts in 2009 (now included in EU REACH Annex XVII - Restriction List).
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts are suspected to have similar restrictions.
Limits Outlined by EU REACH(Directive 1907/2006/EC)
• PFOS shall not be used as a substance or constituent of preparations in products with a concentration equal to or higher than 0.005 % by mass.
• Semi-finished products or articles, or parts shall not be placed on the EU market if the concentration of PFOS is equal to or higher than 0.1 % (1000ppm) by mass; and
• For textiles or other coated materials, the concentration shall not be higher than 1 μg/m2.
If you are an importer or manufacturer of the above products, you need to ensure your products do not contain PFOS, PFOA or its salts above the levels set by REACH.
BLC offers restricted substances testing services, including PFOA/PFOS testing, to ensure that your products comply with the latest safety requirements set out by EU legislation.
For further information contact info@blcleathertech.com or +44 (0)1604 679999.
