PFOS restrictions approved by European Parliament

Published: 23 January, 2007

Earlier this year the EU announced a proposed amendment to Directive 76/769/EEC which is related to the marketing and use of dangerous substances and preparations. The aim was to restrict the marketing and use of perfluoroctane sulfonates (PFOS) in order to avoid health and environmental risks.

The proposal has recently been accepted by the European Parliament and restricts the presence of PFOS in chemical products to a maximum concentration of 0.005% (50ppm).

In addition, PFOS are restricted in semi-finished products or articles at a level of 0.1% (based on the specific component containing the chemical) or in the case of textiles, to a level of 1ug/m2 of the coated material.

Products and articles in which PFOS have intentionally been added include carpets, textiles, upholstery, leather, apparel, paper, packaging.

There are specific exclusions to the ban, but they are not of relevance to the industries cited.

PFOS are anions that are commercially available as salts, derivatives and polymers.

They are classed as very environmentally persistent, highly bioaccumulative and toxic. Their major use is in grease, oil and water resistance for textiles, carpets paper and other coatings.

They have also been used historically in the leather apparel industry.

The ban is expected to come into force once it is approved by the European Council of Ministers and published in the EU's Official Journal.

When the EC directive is implemented, EC member nations will have 18 months in which to enforce the legislation.

For further information please contact Amanda Long at BLC Leather Technology Centre on amanda_l@blcleathertech.com