History of PFAS - PFOS - AFFF
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), were developed beginning in the mid-20th century, primarily for their unique chemical properties, such as resistance to heat, water, and oil. Here's a breakdown of the why and when:________________________________________When Were PFAS and PFOS Developed?
• 1938: PFAS chemicals were first discovered by accident by a DuPont chemist (Roy Plunkett) while working
with refrigerants, leading to the creation of PTFE (Teflon).• 1950s–1960s: PFAS compounds began commercial use in products like Teflon (non-stick cookware),
Scotchgard (fabric protector), and firefighting foams.• 1970s–1980s: PFOS became widely used, particularly by 3M, in products like stain repellents, water-
resistant coatings, and AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) for firefighting.________________________________________Why Were They Developed and Used?
PFAS and PFOS were developed because they offer:
1. Thermal Stability – Resist degradation even at high temperatures.2. Chemical Resistance – Highly stable carbon-fluorine bonds that don’t easily break down.3. Surface Tension Reduction – Ideal for surfactants in firefighting foams.4. Water and Oil Repellency – Used in stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and cosmetics.________________________________________Key Applications Included:
• Firefighting foams (AFFF)• Non-stick cookware (Teflon)• Stain-resistant fabrics• Food wrappers and packaging• Cosmetics and personal care products• Electronics manufacturing________________________________________When Did Concerns Arise?
• Late 1990s–2000s: Health and environmental concerns escalated. PFOS and PFOA (another common
PFAS) were found to persist in the environment and accumulate in human and animal tissue.• 2000: 3M voluntarily phased out PFOS production under EPA pressure.• 2009 onward: PFOS was added to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.________________________________________Summary
PFAS and PFOS were developed starting in the 1940s–1950s for industrial and consumer applications due to their durability and resistance properties. Their widespread use peaked in the 1970s–1990s, but concerns over their toxicity and persistence led to regulatory action in the 2000s.PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), have become central to significant legal actions and environmental remediation efforts due to their persistence in the environment and associated health risks. Here's an overview of recent developments in Australia and the United States: