PFO use now banned

The EC has proposed effectively banning perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) within the European Union on health grounds: the chemical provides grease, oil and water resistance to leather. Brussels has tabled a directive preventing PFOS use in leather and textile goods. The Commission said: 'These uses seem already to be phased out and the proposal would prevent their reintroduction', banning PFOS being used or sold in leather preparations, preparation ingredients, products or parts, in concentrations of 0.1% or more, by mass.