perfluorinated surfactants (PFOS ve PFOA)

Perfluorinated Tensides (PFOS and PFOA)
Perfluorinated Tensides (PFOS and PFOA)

In studies conducted by foreign organizations, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) salts are listed as hazardous substances and countries have been proposed to develop an action plan for PFOS and related substances. The purpose of these plans is to reduce the production and use of PFOS and related substances first and then eliminate them completely.

PFOS and PFOA compounds are known as perfluorinated group (PFCs) chemicals. These compounds are chemicals used as protective coating material in the textile, carpet and paper industry. They act as water and oil repellent properties especially in textile products. Compounds of PFC are carcinogenic and lead to developmental problems, behavioral disorders and chronic diseases, especially in children. Therefore, 27 December 2006 has restricted the use and sale of perfluorooctane sulphonate under the 2006 / 122 / EC directive of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

In order to limit the production and use of PFOS and its related substances in this way and to reduce the effects of these substances on human health and the environment, the sources of PFOS exposure must first be identified.

Supported by the Industrial Development Organization of the United Nations, the scope of this study was to produce PFOS containing products and their production, use, disposal of PFOS containing wastes and to prepare a national inventory covering PFOS contaminated areas.

Today, when water repellent finishing is mentioned in the textile sector, fluorocarbons come to mind first. However, the disadvantage of fluorocarbon chemistry is that it causes the following three substances to enter human habitats:

  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
  • Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
  • Flortelomer alcohol (FTOH)

These substances are resistant, strong, biodegradable and have poisoning properties in the human body. These perfluorinated surfactants are by-products from fluorocarbon production or arise from unreacted raw materials. In order to prevent the release of these harmful substances into the environment, a number of studies are being carried out in the chemical sector (eg from C8 to C6). However, due to the pressure from environmental organizations and global brands in recent years and the dangers posed by impurities in the byproducts of fluorocarbons, the sector has now turned to water repellent chemistry and focused more on fluorine-free water repellents.

In accredited laboratories, tests and analyzes are performed to determine the amount of perfluorinated tensides (PFOS and PFOA) in textile products.