PFAS Chemicals and Their Impact on Elastomers

Summary

• Global regulation of PFAS is intensifying, with varying approaches in the US, EU, and Canada, challenging manufacturers to adapt to stringent and diverse requirements.
• Industry sustainability initiatives, such as emission reductions and lifecycle management, complement regulatory efforts, ensuring compliance while minimizing environmental impact and maintaining product performance.
• Global O-Ring and Seal has undertaken rigorous auditing to ensure our elastomers comply with regulations from entities like the EPA and ECHA.

Overview

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) are synthetic chemicals widely used in various industrial and consumer products across multiple sectors. However, concerns about their effects on human health and the environment have sparked debates and regulatory actions worldwide. This article explores the uses of PFAS chemicals, regulatory efforts in the United States, Europe, and Canada, and industry-led sustainability efforts. Exploring the implications of these regulations on elastomer materials provides valuable insights into the challenges manufacturers and users encounter as they strive to comply with and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of PFAS regulations.

Diverse Applications of PFAS Chemicals

PFAS chemicals find applications in several industries:

1. Consumer Products: Non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and stain-resistant furniture.
2. Food Packaging: Pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, and fast-food wrappers.
3. Textiles: Carpets, upholstery, and outdoor fabrics.
4. Firefighting Foam: Used to extinguish flammable liquid fires in various settings.
5. Industrial Applications: Electronics manufacturing, metal plating, semiconductors, and elastomers.

Regulatory Actions

Governments worldwide have intensified their efforts to address the potential risks of PFAS chemicals to human health and the environment. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, regulatory bodies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and Canada’s federal agencies are implementing comprehensive strategies to manage PFAS across their lifecycles. This section explores the proactive measures taken by these entities, highlighting regional difference, and details our company’s initiatives to ensure compliance while contributing to a safer, more sustainable future. By staying ahead of regulatory developments, we aim to provide insights into these collective efforts to protect public health and preserve the environment.

United States’ Environmental Protection Agency

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has significantly expanded its regulatory efforts under its PFAS Strategic Roadmap (2021-2024). The roadmap focuses on three key directives: research, restrict, and remediate.

• Drinking Water Standards: The EPA has introduces the first enforceable national drinking water standards for PFAS, setting Maximum Contaminants Levels (MCLs) at 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS and limits for mixtures of certain other PFAS.
• CERCLA Designation: PFOA and PFOS have been designated as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), enabling cleanup efforts and liability assignment for contamination sites.
• Expanded Reporting Requirements: The EPA has broadened PFAS reporting under the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) to include additional substances and removed exemptions, ensuring greater transparency.
• State-Level Regulations: States such as Maine and California have implemented stringent restrictions on PFAS in consumer products, with Maine introducing a groundbreaking group-based ban on intentionally added PFAS in products by 2030.

The EPA has identified several PFAS chemical of concern, including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, and PFBS. We take these concerns seriously and have taken proactive steps to ensure that our products do not contain these harmful substances. In line with our commitment to environmental safety, we have comprehensively evaluated our collection of o-ring and cord elastomers to guarantee their absence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We are delighted to announce that the following elastomers in our portfolio are free from PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, and PFBS, as confirmed through our rigorous audit.

Compound	Material	Description	Duro	Color	Temperature Range (°F)
N70-A101	NBR	General purpose Nitrile (Buna)	70	Black	-22 to +250
N90-A101	NBR	General purpose Nitrile (Buna)	90	Black	-13 to +250
V75-B101	FKM	General purpose Genuine Viton®	75	Black	-13 to +482
V75-B201	FKM	General purpose Genuine Viton®	75	Brown	-13 to +482
V90-B101	FKM	General purpose Genuine Viton®	90	Black	-13 to +482
S70-A601	Silicone	FDA-Grade Silicone	70	Red	-67 to +392
E70-C101	EPDM	General purpose EPDM	70	Black	-67 to +257

European Union Efforts

The European Union remains at the forefront of PFAS regulations. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), under the REACH framework, has proposed one the most stringent approaches globally:

• Comprehensive Ban: The EU is advancing a proposal to phase out all non-essential PFAS by 2030, with limited, time-bound exemptions for critical industries such as medical devices, semiconductors, and transportation.
• Expanded Definitions: The REACH regulation now targets over 10,000 PFAS chemicals, adopting a group-based approach that avoids evaluating substances individually.
• Strict Drinking Water Standards: The EU has set lower PFAS thresholds for drinking water compared to the US, reflecting its precautionary stance.

These stringent regulations pose challenges for manufacturers operating in the EU. To ensure compliance, they require comprehensive product evaluations and supply chain adjustments.

Canadian Regulations

Canada has adopted a distinctive approach to PFAS regulations by separating fluoropolymers from the broader PFAS category:

• Risk Management Approach: Canada’s draft State of PFAS Report excluded fluoropolymers from its general PFAS definition, emphasizing their unique properties and essential applications.
• Proposed Regulations: Canada is working towards regulating PFAS as a class, recommending inclusion in the Schedule 1 List of Toxic Substances while assessing fluoropolymers independently.
• Lifecycle Management: The Canadian government emphasizes reducing exposure to PFAS through technically and economically feasible measures, focusing on end-of-life management and emission reductions.

This nuanced approach provides a model for balancing environmental safety with the continued use of essential chemistries like fluoropolymers.

Differences Between Global Regulations

While the United States, European Union, and Canada share a commitment to addressing PFAS risks, their strategies and stringency levels vary significantly:

• United States: The EPA has targeted specific PFAS for regulations, with a growing focus on reporting, restrictions, and remediation efforts. State-level actions further diversify the regulatory landscape.
• European Union: The EU’s group-based approach and accelerated timeline for a comprehensive ban demonstrates its leadership in strict PFAS regulations, with limited exemptions for essential uses.
• Canada: Canada’s more cautious, science-based approach separates fluoropolymers from other PFAS, reflecting its focus on balanced and practical regulations.

These differences highlight the need for manufacturers to tailor their compliance strategies to each region’s regulatory framework. However, compliance considerations may vary depending on the industry and product, and some manufacturers may find it relatively easier to comply with a specific region’s regulations due to the scope and flexibility of the limits. By staying informed about the varying approaches and stringency levels, companies can make informed decisions regarding their products, supply chains, and market strategies.

Potential Impact on Elastomers

Elastomers that contain PFAS chemicals may be subject to restrictions based on regional regulations. Examples of such elastomers include:

• FKM (fluoroelastomer): These elastomers may contain small amounts of PFAS chemicals used as processing aids during production.
• FFKM (perfluoroelastomer): Known for their high resistance to heat, chemicals, and harsh conditions, FFKM elastomers may also contain PFAS chemicals.
• HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber): Although HNBR elastomers typically do not contain PFAS chemicals, they may still be affected by supply chain and regulatory issues related to these substances.

Industry-Led Sustainability Initiatives

In response to the growing regulatory focus on PFAS and environmental concerns, the industry has taken proactive steps to advance sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact, ensuring product safety, and supporting a more sustainable future.

• Emission Reduction: Companies have implements advance technologies to reduce fluorinated organic compound emissions. This includes state-of-the-art water and air abatement systems that effectively capture and treat emissions.
• Circularity in Manufacturing: Circular economy principles are being integrated into production processes. These efforts include recycling and recovering materials, mainly from high-value applications like hydrogen fuel cells and semiconductors, to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
• Lifecycle Management: Manufacturers are adopting comprehensive lifecycle assessments to manage PFAS use from raw materials to end-of-life. This approach ensures minimal environmental impact and compliance with global regulations.
• Alternative Processing Aids: Research and development have led to the testing of hundreds of alternative polymerization aids. These alternatives aim to reduce residual byproducts while maintaining the performance characteristics critical to high-demand applications.

These sustainability initiatives underscore the industry’s proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges while continuing to deliver high-performance materials critical to innovation. By adopting advance technologies and innovative practices, the industry is demonstrating its ability to balance environmental stewardship with the demands of modern applications.

Conclusion

PFAS chemicals are under increased scrutiny due to concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. As regulatory efforts intensify, elastomer manufacturers and users must stay informed about evolving regulations and develop strategies to address the potential effects. Adapting to the changing landscape will be crucial for maintaining compliance and meeting market demands in different regions.

Global O-Ring and Seal is committed to providing high-quality elastomer products that meet regulatory requirements and environmental safety standards. To this end, we are actively gathering PFAS data on our remaining product lines and continuously monitoring government regulations. This proactive approach enables us to stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure that our products align with the most up-to-date compliance guidelines.

Our dedication to keeping an open line of communication with our customers remains unwavering. As new information and regulatory updates emerge, we will promptly share them with you. We understand the importance of collaboration and transparency in navigating the complexities of PFAS regulations, and we strive to work closely with our customers to address any concerns and find appropriate solutions.