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Directive relating to Perfluorooctane Sulfonates (PFOS) – 2006/122/EC – EU Directive relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (perfluorooctane sulfonates)

Introduction

The term Perfluorooctane Sulfonates (PFOS), means any substance containing the PFOS moiety (C₈F₁₇SO₂) with the potential to degrade to the anionic form C₈F₁₇SO₃ in the environment.

These substances include the acid form of PFOS, the metal salts and the halides of PFOS and also the amides. Polymers including the PFOS moiety are also within the scope of the Directive 2006/122/EC

Requirements of the Directive

From 27 June 2008, perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) may not be placed on the market or used as a substance or constituent of preparations in a concentration equal to or higher than 0.005% by mass, but fire-fighting foams that have been placed on the market before 27 December 2006 can be used until 27 June 2011.

In addition, PFOS may not be placed on the market in semi-finished products or articles, or parts thereof, if the concentration of PFOS is equal to or higher than 0.1% by mass calculated with reference to the mass of structurally or microstructurally distinct parts that contain PFOS or, for textiles or other coated materials, if the amount of PFOS is equal to or higher than 1 µg/m² of the coated material.

Exemption

The above restrictions shall not apply to the following items, nor to substances and preparations needed to produce them—

(a) photoresists or anti reflective coatings for photolithography processes,

(b) photographic coatings applied to films, papers, or printing plates,

(c) mist suppressants for non-decorative hard chromium (VI) plating and wetting agents for use in controlled electroplating systems where the amount of PFOS released into the environment is minimised, by fully applying relevant best available techniques developed within the framework of Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control,

(d) hydraulic fluids for aviation.

Uses of Perfluorooctane Sulfonates (PFOS)

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid is usually used as the sodium or potassium salts, referred to as perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS).

·                     PFOS was a key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and numerous stain repellents. In 2000, 3M decided to reformulate Scotchgard, an effort which was finished in 2002.

·                     PFOS, together with PFOA, has also been used to make aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a component of fire-fighting foams, and alcohol-type concentrate foams.

·                     PFOS compounds can be also found in some impregnation agents for textiles, paper, and leather; in wax, polishes, paints, varnishes, and cleaning products for general use; in metal surfaces, and carpets.

·                     In the semiconductor industry, PFOS is used in multiple photolithographic chemicals including: photoacid generators (PAGs) and anti-reflective coatings (ARCs). Phased out in the European Union semiconductor industry due to health concern.

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