Recently, some media reported that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), chemicals harmful to health and the environment, were detected in more than 50% off swimsuits on the market, many of which are world-renowned brands. So, what exactly are perfluorinated compounds? Are there any relevant domestic regulations that restrict them? The reporter interviewed relevant people.
Perfluorinated compounds are fluorinated chemicals with special properties that can make materials oil-proof, stain-proof and waterproof. They are also organic chemical pollutants that are difficult to degrade. Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are two representative substances that are widely used.
PFOA and PFOS have high water solubility and are commonly found in a variety of environmental water bodies. When they are ingested by organisms, they will not be enriched in fat tissue, but will be present in the blood after being bound to proteins, and will be present in the blood. Accumulation occurs in liver, kidney, muscle and other tissues, and shows obvious bioaccumulation. PFOA and PFOS can also cause weight loss and smaller body size in newborns. PFOA can cause endocrine dysfunction and is carcinogenic. It is also related to thyroid disease.
Because of their waterproof and anti-fouling properties, perfluorinated compounds are widely used in outdoor clothing, tents, sleeping bags, shower curtains, shoes, carpets, furniture and other textile products.
Regarding the media exposure that more than half-folded swimsuits are rich in perfluorinated compounds, He Lu believes that processing aids are a link where perfluorinated compounds may be introduced in the swimsuit manufacturing process. “The use of perfluorinated compounds in swimsuits is often to enhance the water-resistance and anti-fouling functions of swimsuits. Textile companies should pay attention to the waterproof and anti-fouling treatment agents and stain removers used by our company for fabrics.”
Because of the existence of these potential damages, perfluorinated compounds are likely to become “invisible killers” of textiles such as swimsuits and outdoor clothing, and their dangers are becoming increasingly prominent.
Currently, many countries around the world have introduced corresponding regulations to restrict the use of perfluorinated compounds. Sweden notified relevant binding proposals to the World Trade Arrangement in 2005; on June 28, 2013, the Norwegian Environmental Protection Agency announced a national ban on PFOA and its salts and esters in consumer products, and revised the Norwegian Commodity Law accordingly. , and officially came into effect in 2014; Canada introduced the “Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and its Salts and Other Related Compounds Regulations” to prevent everyone from using and discharging PFOS and its salts, or containing C8F17SO2, C8F17SO3, C8F17SO2N, etc. Other compounds of the group and their products may cause environmental damage.
It is reported that the 2014 version of Oeko-Tex Standard 100 removed perfluorinated compounds from other remaining chemicals and set them as a separate category, and added independent quantification of three perfluorinated acid substances.
In addition to the above regulations, perfluorinated compounds are also often controlled in the field of food contact: the EU’s Materials and Substances in Contact with Food Regulation (No. 2004/1935), the German LFGB (LMBG) and the Federal Association for Risk Assessment BfR’s guidance laws BfRsectionLI, French FrenchDGCCRF2004-64 and British Commonwealth UKSI898:2005 have all regulated PFOA. There are currently no relevant domestic regulations that prohibit the use of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and other perfluorinated chemicals.
In this regard, relevant experts suggest that on the one hand, relevant companies should attach great importance to the selection of raw materials, strictly control the quality of upstream raw materials, and strengthen product quality and safety risk assessment; on the other hand, increase cooperation in the development and production of substitute products. We will work hard to tackle key problems, actively make adjustments in product planning and other aspects to adapt to market changes, and at the same time be highly alert to the resulting quality risk issues.
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