PFAS & their Impact

HARMFUL HIGH-PERFORMANCE

What are PFAS?
PFAS is an abbreviation for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. These are man-made substances consisting primarily of carbon (C) and fluorine (F). Currently, more than 4,700 individual PFAS variants are recorded by the OECD. However, the EU Commission estimates that there are more than 10,000 representatives of this group of substances. The individual PFAS molecules vary greatly in their shape and properties. What they all have in common is their extremely stable nature.

What is the difference between PFCs and PFAS?
PFC stands for per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. The term per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS for short, is now predominantly used in the technical literature. The two abbreviations PFC and PFAS can generally be used synonymously.

Why are PFAS problematic?
The main problem with PFAS is that they are virtually impossible to break down through naturally occurring processes. Neither sunlight nor microorganisms can break the chemical bond between carbon and fluorine. Therefore, when PFAS enter the environment, they remain there for a very long time – and their concentrations are continuously increasing. PFAS can now be detected virtually everywhere in Europe, including in drinking water. Some PFAS are known to cause serious health problems in humans.

Are PFAS toxic?
PFAS are generally not acutely toxic, but some members of this group are known to cause chronic exposure in humans. PFAS can accumulate in the body and attack the liver, kidneys, or thyroid, or impair metabolism. They can thus affect many bodily functions. PFAS as a whole have been little researched. The effects of most PFAS on the environment or the body are simply unknown, especially in the long term.

How do people absorb PFAS?
Mainly through beverages and food. The biggest problem in Europe is the contamination of drinking water.

Which products contain PFAS?
Many PFAS ensure smooth surfaces that neither water nor grease nor dirt adhere to. They are therefore often found in water-, grease-, and dirt-repellent coatings. For example, in pans, baking pans, cable sheathing, seals, medical technology, and food packaging. PFAS are also found in ski wax, bicycle chain oil, lubricants, adhesives, paints, propellants, and refrigerants. PFAS are also used to impregnate many textiles, such as carpets, sofas, curtains, and outdoor clothing. Many other products do not directly contain PFAS, but are manufactured using them because they help ensure a clean environment in industrial processes.

How do PFAS enter the environment?
Many PFAS enter the air via factory chimneys during product manufacturing; they enter rivers with industrial wastewater. Wastewater treatment plants cannot completely capture them. PFAS also dissolve during use from products such as ski wax and lubricants, or from textiles during washing. The amount of PFAS released into the air from waste incineration plants has not yet been systematically investigated.

How are PFAS used in the outdoor industry?
In the outdoor industry, PFAS are mainly used in waterproof membranes and as water- and dirt-repellent impregnations.

Are there alternatives for these applications?
There are now good, PFAS-free alternatives for both waterproof membranes and waterproofing treatments for outdoor clothing. Microporous olefins (better known as polypropylene) and hydrophilic membranes have become established alternatives to PFAS-based ePTFE membranes. For waterproofing treatments, there are effective alternatives based on paraffin, silicone, and dendrimer.

Does ROTAUF use PFAS?
True to the precautionary principle, ROTAUF has completely avoided the use of PFAS since its founding in 2013, both in membranes and waterproofing treatments. We don't want to leave lasting traces in nature that can't be erased by the next snowfall or downpour. For our waterproof membranes, we rely on the polyester-based, hydrophilic membranes from Sympatex®. For waterproofing treatments, we use various PFAS-free technologies that are optimally matched to the substrate material.

What is politics doing?
The EU wants to restrict the production of PFAS. During a transitional period, known hazardous substances will be banned or restricted in their use. Switzerland wants to review the current maximum levels for the two most well-known harmful PFAS representatives, PFOA and PFOS.