BUILDING A BETTER WORLD - Green Science Policy Institute
BUILDING A BETTER WORLDEliminating Unnecessary PFAS inBuilding Materials
This report was developed by the Green Science Policy Institute, whose mission isto facilitate safer use of chemicals to protect human and ecological health.Learn more at www.greensciencepolicy.orgAUTHORSSeth Rojello Fernández, Carol Kwiatkowski, Tom BrutonEDITORSArlene Blum, Rebecca Fuoco, Hannah Ray, Anna SoehlEXTERNAL REVIEWERS*Katie Ackerly (David Baker Architects)Brent Ehrlich (BuildingGreen)Juliane Glüge (ETH Zurich)Jen Jackson (San Francisco Department of the Environment)David Johnson (SERA Architects)Rebecca Staam (Healthy Building Network)DESIGNAllyson Appen, StudioA2ILLUSTRATIONSKristina Davis, University of Notre Dame* External reviewers provided helpful comments and discussion on the report but do not endorsethe factual nature of the content.
THE BUILDING INDUSTRY HASTHE WILL AND THE KNOW-HOWTO REDUCE ITS USE OF PFASCHEMICALS. UNDERSTANDINGWHERE PFAS ARE USED ANDFINDING SAFER ALTERNATIVESARE CRITICAL.1
TABLE OF CONTENTS3Executive Summary6Introduction7List of Abbreviations8Background9 PFAS in Humans and the Environment11 Health Hazards of PFAS11 Who is at Risk?12 Non-essential Uses13 PFAS Use in Building Materials14 Roofing17 Coatings20 Flooring22 Sealants and Adhesives24 Glass25 Fabrics26 Wires and Cables27 Tape28 Timber-Derived Products28 Solar Panels29 Artificial Turf29 Seismic Damping Systems30 From Building Products to the Environment32 Moving forward32 Managing PFAS as a Class32 The Need for Transparency34 Safer Alternatives35 What Can You Do?36 List of References45 Appendix2
EXECUTIVESUMMARY3
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)are synthetic chemicals that are useful inmany building materials and consumerproducts but have a large potential for harm.consumers and some governments are calling for limits on the production and use ofall PFAS, except when those uses are trulyessential.5Several well-studied PFAS have been linkedto adverse health effects.1-3 However, mostof the thousands of PFAS in commerce havenot been studied for their possible healthharm.The use of PFAS in consumer goods such asfood packaging and outdoor clothing is wellknown. However, the prevalence of PFAS inbuilding materials has received little attention. This report is the first to document thatPFAS, including fluoropolymers, areused for a wide variety of applications in the building sector. Theseinclude roofing materials, paints andcoatings, sealants, caulks, adhesives,fabrics, and more. The diverse usesof PFAS in building materials are discussed in detail, along with scenariosthat demonstrate how workers andthe public could be exposed.SCIENTISTS, CONSUMERS, ANDGOVERNMENTS ARE CALLING FORTHE RESTRICTION OF PFAS TOONLY ESSENTIAL USES.A primary problem is that PFAS are extremely resistant to breakdown and persist indefinitely in the environment.Continued production and use of these “forever chemicals” will increase the quantityand distribution of PFAS around the globe,and also the risk of harm.In response to environmental concerns, thefluorochemical industry has transitioned tonewer forms of PFAS that it says are safer.Emerging research shows that the replacement chemicals can be as harmful as thosethey are replacing.4 Meanwhile, scientists,Safer non-fluorinated alternatives exist formany applications of PFAS in building materials. The incentive to use them and to develop additional safer substitutes is increasingdue to pressure from governments and themarketplace. The tools the building industry needs to take on this work—transparency programs, chemical data systems, andcertifications—are increasingly available.The goal of this report is to inform and inspire building owners, architects, designers,building product manufacturers, and government decision makers to eliminate unnecessary uses of PFAS and to promote the designand use of safer non-PFAS alternatives.4
3 STEPS TO REDUCING PFASIN BUILDING MATERIALS1Identify PFAS in your scope of influence— in the products you make, specify,purchase, manage, or regulate.23Evaluate their function and removeunnecessary PFAS wherever possible.Work to find safer solutions for essentialfunctions currently served by PFAS.Protecting the planet and its inhabitantsis a collaborative effort. Strive to eliminateall PFAS and share your successes alongthe way.5
INTRODUCTIONPFAS provide desirablefunctions such asweatherproofing, corrosionprevention, and frictionreduction. However,their utility comes at acost to health and theenvironment.6
Our built environment has improved tremendous-globe. Most PFAS have not yet been studied for theirly over the past century with the use of syntheticpotential harmful effects, but what is certain is they(human made) chemicals and products. However,will persist on the planet for many years, exposingscientists have discovered that many of these chem-humans and the environment to potential harm.icals can migrate from products into the environmentWhile we don’t know everything about every individ-and our bodies, and cause harm. Making informedual PFAS, we do know enough about the class as asubstitutions or avoiding certain chemicals altogeth-whole to warrant precautionary action.er can result in products that are healthier for peoplePFAS in drinking water and in consumer productsand the planet.are the focus of increasing concern for businesses,Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a largegovernments, and citizens. In some areas, greatclass of synthetic fluorine-containing chemicals withstrides have been made to eliminate unnecessarymany uses in the building industry, including in roof-uses of PFAS. For example, when KEEN Footwearing materials, paints and coatings, sealants, caulks,assessed their product lines and found one hundredadhesives, fabrics, and more.6 According to the Amer-uses of PFAS, they determined that 70% of theseican Chemistry Council, PFAS-containing buildingwere not needed and they quickly removed them.materials are a more than 26 billion market.Careful evaluation of the remaining uses allowed6KEEN to find safer substitutes.* As of 2020, KEEN’sThis class of chemicals provides desirable functionswork has prevented over 150 tons of PFAS from be-such as weatherproofing, corrosion prevention, lu-ing released into the environment.brication, friction reduction, and grease and waterresistance. However, PFAS last a very long time inUses of PFAS in the building industry have receivedthe environment, up to centuries or more, and canless attention. In this report, we describe the variousaccumulate in soil and water. Some PFAS can bio-uses of PFAS in building materials, discuss alterna-accumulate in humans and other living organisms,tives, and propose a path forward to identifying andallowing them to build up to levels at which theyeliminating non-essential uses of this chemical class.can be harmful. In fact, health studies of some PFASWe are all stakeholders in the health of the planetshow them to be hazardous to humans and wildlife.and its inhabitants, and together we can raise theSome PFAS are also highly mobile and can movestandard of care across the building industry, to cre-through water or air to become dispersed across theate healthy indoor and outdoor environments for all.*Hear KEEN’s story: https://youtu.be/AaCXAawdH9k.LIST OF hylene chlorotrifluoroethyleneethylene tetrafluoroethylenefluorinated ethylene propylenefluoroethylene vinyl epoly- and perfluoroalkyl octanoic acidpolytetrafluoroethylenepolyvinyl chloridepolyvinylidene fluoridepolyvinyl fluoridetetrafluoroethylenevinylidene fluoride7
BACKGROUNDPFAS—which contain a basic structure of a chainnon-polymer PFAS molecules that can migrate out ofof carbon atoms surrounded by fluorine atoms—the fluoropolymers and into the environment. Somedo not occur in nature. The high strength of theirof these compounds are well known PFAS, like per-carbon-fluorine bonds makes PFAS very stable andfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and GenX*. Compared togives them the unique ability to repel both oil andfluoropolymers, the small size of these residuals andwater. Thousands of different PFAS have been de-impurities makes it easier for them to enter livingveloped for use in industrial and consumer productscells and cause harm.7including paper, clothing and other textiles, plasticarticles, cookware, food packaging, electronics, andThe most widely known fluoropolymer is polytetra-personal care products.fluoroethylene (PTFE; also known as Teflon ). Firstdiscovered in the late 1930s,8 this material has be-Fluoropolymers are large PFAS molecules composedcome synonymous with “non-stick”. The 1950s sawof numerous fluorinated monomers attached togeth-increased use of PTFE and other fluoropolymers iner (see sidebar). In some fluoropolymers the repeat-wire and cable insulation, tapes, seals, filters, lami-ing unit contains a single type of monomer. Others,nates, coatings and many more applications that re-called copolymers, are made of repeating units ofquired resistance to water, oil, harsh chemicals, andtwo or more different monomers. Fluoropolymersflames.9 Over the next several decades the uses ofmay contain other types of PFAS as residuals andfluoropolymers expanded rapidly to include special-impurities leftover from the manufacturing process.ized films, fabrics (e.g GoreTex), resins, and more.These residuals and impurities include smaller,Current demand for fluoropolymers is greater than200,000 tons per year and expected to grow.9*GenX is a trademark name for the ammonium salt of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) fluoride.FLUOROPOLYMERSFluoropolymers are large compounds containing a carbon-onlybackbone with fluorine atoms attached directly to it.MonomerMonomers consist of asingle, often small unit.PolymerPolymers contain repeated subunits.Partial List of Fluoropolymers Used in Building MaterialsETFE: Ethylene tetrafluoroethyleneFEP: Fluorinated ethylene propylenePCTFE: PolychlorotrifluoroethylenePTFE (Teflon): PolytetrafluoroethylenePVDF (Kynar): Polyvinylidene fluoridePVF: Polyvinyl fluoride8
PFAS IN HUMANS AND THEENVIRONMENTPFAS make their way into the environment through-Measuring PFAS was challenging prior to the lateout their lifecycle, from manufacturing, through1990s. As new detection tools became available,chemical or product use, to disposal. Known sourc-scientists began to find PFAS everywhere theyes of environmental releases include industrial siteslooked. PFAS are now detected in water, food, air,that produce or use PFAS; airports, military bases,and indoor dust,12-14 all of which lead to human ex-and other users of firefighting foam; landfills; andposure. PFAS have been detected in the bodies ofwastewater treatment plants. Even consumer prod-nearly every human tested.15,16 Certain populationsucts such as make-up and rain jackets shed measur-such as firefighters and communities with contami-able amounts of PFAS to the environment.10,11nated drinking water are more highly exposed.17,189
Documented adversehealth effects includekidney and testicularcancer, elevatedcholesterol, liverdisease, decreasedfertility, thyroidproblems, and otherhealth problems.10
HEALTH HAZARDS OF PFASAs early as the 1960s, testing conducted by man-specific PFAS were more likely to suffer a severe caseufacturers linked certain PFAS to health harm inof COVID-19.20laboratory animals. Independent research on healtheffects did not begin until the late 1990s. SinceWHO IS AT RISK?then, numerous studies have evaluated the toxici-PFAS have contaminated the environment and foodty of certain PFAS and found associations betweenincreased exposure and several health problems.Understanding the full suite of potential health effects of PFAS is challenging because they can affectmany different organ systems and act by a varietyof mechanisms. Adverse health effects—particularlyfor PFOA—include kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, liver disease, decreased fertility,thyroid problems, changes in hormone functioning,and developmental effects.2 Immune system effects,including suppressed response to vaccines in children, have also been well documented.19 A recentstudy found that among people infected with thecoronavirus, those with elevated exposure to onechains around the world, and all of us are exposedto some degree. However, some people are likely tohave higher exposure, be more susceptible to thehealth effects of PFAS, or both. Groups who are likelyto be highly exposed include workers in manufacturing plants that make or use PFAS, communities withcontaminated drinking water, and firefighters.17,18Building construction and maintenance workers ordo-it-yourselfers may also have elevated PFAS exposures. For example, tile and concrete spray-onwaterproofing products containing PFAS have beenimplicated in several cases of acute pulmonary toxicity.21,22 Susceptibility to the health effects of PFASKnown health harms of PFAS have led stategovernments to set strict limits on the levels ofPFAS allowable in drinking water.11
is particularly high during prenatal and early life de-Denmark, for instance, has banned PFAS in pa-velopment. Given these risks, it is urgent that theper food packaging, and Washington was the firstbuilding industry finds and adopts safer alternativesU.S. state to restrict the use of PFAS in firefightingto the many products on the market that containfoam.24,25 The California Department of Toxic Sub-harmful PFAS.stances Control is finalizing regulations to restrictPFAS in carpets and rugs26 and San Francisco re-NON-ESSENTIAL USEScently prohibited PFAS in city purchasing of carpet.27Federal, state, and local governments have begunOther building materials have received less attentionworking to reduce human exposure to PFAS and pre-from regulators.vent health harm. Actions to date have focused onidentifying contaminated water supplies and provid-There is progress in the business world as well.ing impacted communities with clean drinking wa-Many consumer and retail companies are calling forter. Because complete remediation of PFAS contam-a phaseout of all PFAS, and some, such as KEEN ination in the environment will be costly and timeFootwear, Levi Strauss & Co , and COOP Denmark,consuming—if even possible, efforts to prevent PFAShave already or nearly achieved it. Numerous man-pollution should be prioritized.ufacturers are assessing their ability to identify andremove PFAS from their supply chains. Other organi-One prevention approach that is gaining tractionzations are striving to eliminate PFAS in the buildingis identifying and phasing out non-essential usesmaterials and furnishings they purchase.of PFAS. This allows time for the development ofsafer alternatives for uses of PFAS that are current-The goal of this report is to inspire a broader move-ly deemed essential.Hundreds of scientists havement in the building industry to join the effort toexpressed support for this concept in the Madrideliminate unnecessary uses of PFAS and developStatement published in 2015. The “essential uses”safer alternatives.235approach is already being taken up by governments:Renovation may come and go, but PFAS last forever.12
PFAS USES INBUILDINGMATERIALS13
The following sections provide information on theuse of PFAS in different building product categories.We obtained information about PFAS and their usein building materials by searching peer-reviewed literature, government and non-governmental reports,patents, and company websites. This report does notcover all building products that contain PFAS, andwithin the categories below, PFAS may be more orless common.A note about alternatives: Throughout these sections, possible alternatives to fluorinated compoundsare noted in italics. The materials mentioned are either readily identifiable as suitable alternatives, or listed as such in a report, research article, or patent.However, we cannot vouch for the relative efficacyof these possible alternatives. Also note that some ofthe materials listed as alternatives contain chemicalsof concern other than PFAS. Analyzing the hazardouschemical content of non-PFAS alternatives was outside the scope of this report. Readers are encouragedto use due diligence to investigate the potential chemical hazards and the functionality of the PFAS-freebuilding materials we identified.ROOFINGPFAS are used in four primary types of roofing materials: metal roofing, asphalt roofing, weatherproofingmembranes for flat roofs, and textile-based roofs. Abuilding’s roof is in constant contact with the elements—UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, andprecipitation can all limit a roof’s lifespan. PFAS areused to resist weathering and prolong a roof’s useful life while reflecting solar radiation away from thestructure, keeping the interior cool.Metal RoofingPFAS are used as an exterior coating on metal sheetroofs, metal shingles, flashing, and roofing nails.28-32Fluoropolymer coatings protect metal from scratching,color loss, and corrosion and can be used to restorethe aesthetic value of faded or deteriorated coloredmetal.29,30 They may also serve to cool the structureby reflecting solar energy into the atmosphere andreducing the amount of heat entering the building.28,29Fluoropolymer coatings applied to metal roofing components are similar to those used in other types ofbuilding materials; all of these are discussed in furtherdetail in the section on Coatings.Fluoropolymers are used in weatherproofingmembranes for flat-type roofs in residential andcommercial buildings, but less costly siliconeand acrylic alternatives are available.14
METALASPHALTMEMBRANETENSILEPFAS-free alternatives such as silicone-modified poly-tivity, and to aid in ballasting.28,36 Roofing granulesester are commonly available and meet EPA’s Energyconsist of a core of rock or mineral covered by a pig-Star certification standards for initial and maintainedmented ceramic coating.28,36 Specialty granules de-solar reflectance.33-35signed for high solar reflectivity can employ coatingsthat contain PFAS.37,38,* Granules manufactured byAsphalt Roofing3M are coated with a proprietary surfactant polymerPFAS may be used in asphalt-based roofing mate-to prevent staining. It is unclear whether the coatingrials as a component of granules. Asphalt shinglescontains PFAS.39 In addition to granules, fluoropoly-and flat roofs commonly incorporate mineral-basedmer coatings may also be applied to entire shingles.40granules to add aesthetic appeal, improve weatherTitanium dioxide-based coatings are non-PFAS alter-protection, increase UV-resistance and solar reflec-natives for increasing solar reflectivity.28,38*PFAS mentioned in patents for roofing granules include fluorinated polyurethane silane37 and ne.3815
Weatherproofing MembranesSeveral fluoropolymers* may be used in weatherproofing membranes for flat-type roofs in residentialand commercial buildings.41 These membranes canbe made of numerous materials, including syntheticrubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, or otherheavy-duty thermoplastics, and sometimes contain afluoropolymer layer or coating.32,42,43 The fluoropolymers aid in moisture control and solar reflectivity, aswell as conferring durability and stain resistance.41These membranes may also be clear or opaque foruse in greenhouses.9,44fiberglass, PVC-coated polyester, and high-densityHeating of fluoropolymers like PTFE at high tempera-polyethylene, at similar if not lower price points totures releases ultrafine particles that, when inhaled,ETFE and PTFE.48,49 PFAS-free alternatives reportedlycan cause a health condition known as “polymer fumehave similar lifespans, fire ratings, maintenance re-fever” and lead to severe acute lung injury. Thus, in-quirements, and UV light filtering capabilities as flu-stallation of heat-welded roofing materials containingorinated tensile roofs, but at a lower cost.45PFAS is a possible occupational exposure concern.Other Roofing MaterialsSilicone- and acrylic-coated membrane alternativesFluoropolymer coatings such as Dura Coat XT-10, Kynarare available.500, and Hylar 5000 are applied to rain gutters to re-41,46pel dirt, resist staining and allow for easier cleaning.53,54Tensile RoofingAlternative polyester-, silicone-, and acrylic-basedFluoropolymers are used to create durable and dec-coatings can provide similar weather protection withoutorative textile-based roofs. PTFE or ethylene tetra-PFAS.55,56 Gutters made from other metals such as gal-fluoroethylene (ETFE) can be applied as a coatingvanized steel have weather protective qualities and doon a rigid fiberglass base or woven into strands andnot require coatings.57 Non-chemical alternatives arethen made into a textile-like material. So-called ten-also a good choice: using leaf guards and debris strain-sile roofs made of these materials are touted for theirers, and increasing gutter slope decreases blockagesstrength, durability, and low maintenance, and areand allows water to exit the system efficiently.58often used for retractable and deployable structuressuch as stadiums, and for shade fabrics.47-49 NotableLiquid-applied fluoropolymer coatings have been pro-examples of tensile roofs include the Beijing Nationalposed for concrete roofing tiles and wooden shinglesAquatics Center, the Minnesota Metrodome, and theto increase reflectivity, provide cooling, and resist dirtDenver International Airport.50-52 Alternatives to tex-and mildew.40,59 Titanium dioxide-based coatings are atile roofing made with PFAS include silicone-coatedPFAS-free alternative for coating shingles.40*Patent literature indicates that numerous types of fluoropolymers may be used for weatherproofing membranes, including PTFE,ETFE copolymer, ECTFE copolymer, PCTFE, PVDF, copolymers of PVDF with acrylic resins, PVF, FEP, perfluoroalkoxy resin, copolymers of vinyl fluoride and vinyl ether, copolymers of FEVE with acrylic resins, and terpolymers of TFE, HFP and VDF.41,4216
COATINGSCoatings are broadly defined as exterior treatmentsglossy finish.62,63 Polymer and non-polymer PFASthat serve a functional purpose. PFAS are used to im-can be added to paints to provide non-stick, “graffi-prove the performance of paints, metal coatings, andti-proof”, dirt and stain resistant, oil- and water-repel-wood lacquers. They reportedly protect pigments,lent, and anti-corrosive properties.63-68 Fluoro-modi-improve ease of application, increase weather resis-fied polysiloxanes are added to paints as a deaeratortance, and improve the finish and durability of theseto decrease bubbling.31products. A recent study found over 100 distinctPFAS used in various paints, coatings, and finishes.60PFAS are also used in paints as binders.31,62 BindersData from the Nordic countries indicate that coatingsare polymeric materials that join the ingredients inand paints are the second highest use of PFAS bythe paint together, or help impregnate the substratemanufacturers in that region.to decrease bubbling and peeling. Commercially avail-61able fluoropolymer binders include ZEFFLE by DaikinPaintsChemicals, and Lumiflon by AGC Chemicals.69-71Fluorinated additives (both polymeric and non-polymeric) can be used in epoxy-, oil-, alkyd-, and acryl-PFAS are used in powder coating—a dry finishing pro-ic-based paints to achieve specific finishes and dura-cess in which pigmented polymer powders are meltedbility requirements.62 PFAS lower the surface tensiononto metal, wood or other surfaces.72,73,*. Fluorinat-of paint, which allows for even flow, spread, and aed resins used in powder coatings, such as Solvay’s*Common fluoropolymers and copolymers used in powder coatings include FEVE, ECTFE, PVDF, perfluoro (alkylvinylether), tetrafluoroethylene perfluoromethylvinylether, ETFE, and FEP.31,7517
HALAR 6014,74 reportedly result in higher weath-sanitary fixtures.81 The addition of PFAS reportedlyerability, color and gloss retention, and resistance toprotects metal building products against weatheringchemicals, impacts, flames, and corrosion.31,75,76and staining and increases corrosion resistance.71PFAS-containing coatings are also used to increaseNon-fluorinated chemicals commonly used as bindersthe energy efficiency of metal roofs and exteriorin both liquid paint and powder coats include acrylics,walls (by increasing reflectivity), to keep snow andalkyds, and epoxies.31,77,78 Acrylic binders are knownice from sticking to roofs and gutters, and even tofor their durability and gloss retention, while phenolicaid in the penetration of coated roofing nails.28,31 Thebinders are best used in humid conditions. Hybriduse of PFAS coatings on metal structures may some-materials such as phenolic-alkyd binders give painttimes be required by building codes, as is the casethe strength of the phenolics and the color retentionfor bridges in Japan.82 Most PFAS-containing metalof the alkyds.77 PFAS-free alternatives for improvingcoatings are applied during manufacturing, but theypaint viscosity and spread include low aromatic min-can also be applied to building materials after instal-eral spirits and aromatic petroleum distillates.lation as liquids or sprays.30,8379Al-ternative deaerators in paints include polyacrylates,polyethers, and polysiloxanes.31Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is the original andone of the most common fluorinated chemicals usedMetal Coatingsin metal coatings,80,84 but other polymeric PFAS areMany metal coating formulations employ fluoropoly-also used.* Brand name fluoropolymers used in met-mer binders to increase durability.Fluorinatedal coatings include Kynar PVDF from Arkema, Hy-coatings are used as exterior finishes for large build-lar PVDF from Solvay, Lumiflon FEVE from AGCings, bridges, and industrial structures, in additionChemicals, and ZEFFLE VDF/TFE copolymer fromto high touch metal surfaces such as elevators andDaikin.30,6930,69,80* Fluoropolymer binders and additives reportedly used in metal coatings include PTFE, FEP, ETFE copolymer, PVF, PVDF, andFEVE.3018
Metal entrances, doors, and door components (hing-Patent literature indicates that paraffin waxes andes, frames, latches, handles, locks, etc) may besilicones can replace PFAS in wood sealers for acoated with PFAS to enhance durability and ther-similar water-repellent effect.100 Chemical treat-mal protection.85-90 PTFE is used in door operatorsments such as acetylation can increase dimension-that help open and close doors in commercial build-al stability and rot resistance.101-103 Plastic-woodings,87,91 although the function is unclear.hybrids such as Trex come with increased durability and have high recycled content (which may orAlternatives such as polyester and silicone-modi-may not contain PFAS or other chemicals of con-fied polyester are available at a lower cost point andcern).104 The use of naturally denser woods is anare already used in coatings.33,92 Galvanization andalternate way of limiting warping and rot when woodanodization are effective and cost-efficient alterna-is exposed to moisture.tives for some applications.92-95Plastic CoatingsWood LacquersPFAS can be applied to plastic surfaces for a varietyPFAS are added to wood lacquers and sealers as wet-of applications. For instance, some dry erase boardsting agents and to enhance oil and water repellen-utilize PFAS-containing coatings.** Fluoropolymercy and stain resistance.They may also be usedcoatings can be applied on structural plastics thatin sealers to increase the dimensional stability ofare used instead of glass or ceramic in items likewood99* and as matting agents in factory applied fin-windows, bathtubs, counters, shower stalls, andishes for wooden products including cabinetry.doors.105,106,***96-98100*A patent indicates that perfluorinated hydrocarbons, fluorinated acrylic and methacrylic acid esters, fluoroalkanesulfonic acids,fluorinated carboxylic acids and their salts all may be used in wood sealers.99**Erasable boards can contain fluorinated chemicals such as TFE, CTFE, VF, VDF, PTFE, ETFE, ECTFE, FEP, Korton-K 720, andKynar 730.107,108***Fluoropolymers reportedly used include PVDF, VDF, TFE, and HFP and their respective copolymers in addition to the monomersvinyl fluoride and trifluoroethylene.10619
FLOORINGCarpets and RugsIn recent years most carpet manufacturers employedPFAS have been used extensively as stain, soil, anda type of PFAS called side-chain fluorinated poly-water repellents in carpets and rugs. Fluorinatedmers.109 These polymers are attached to the carpetchemicals reportedly prevent soiling and staining offibers, but they also contain non-polymer PFAS, in-the carpet fibers, protecting the carpet from discolor-cluding manufacturing residuals, impurities, andation and wear.PFAS can be applied to carpetsdegradation products, that can migrate out of car-and rugs during the fiber manufacturing process,pets and rugs.109 Studies have linked carpeted floorsduring the manufacturing of the carpets and rugsto higher PFAS levels in indoor dust110 and on in-themselves, or as aftermarket treatments.109terior surfaces.111 Once PFAS is in dust, it can be63,10920
inhaled and consumed by adults, children, and pets.and acrylics.109,121 Some of these alternatives areTreated carpets and rugs may be a major source ofmore durable than PFAS and can be reapplied lessPFAS exposure for young children, who have higherfrequently. Many of these alternatives are polymersrates of hand-to-mouth contact and spend more timethat coat the fibers without changing the texture oron the floor.softness of the carpet. Non-chemical alternatives112to PFAS include modification of thefiber shape and choosing fiber ma-MOST MAJOR CARPET MANUFACTURERS HAVE PHASED OUT PFAS IN FAV
ual PFAS, we do know enough about the class as a whole to warrant precautionary action. PFAS in drinking water and in consumer products are the focus of increasing concern for businesses, governments, and citizens. In some areas, great strides have been made to eliminate unnecessary uses of PFAS. For example, when KEEN Footwear
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