Kiera Jefferson
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a man-made chemical that is toxic to both the environment and human health. PFOS is one of the three subgroups of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) that are currently listed under the Stockholm Convention as industrial Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). PFOS is intentionally produced for use in electric and electronic parts, firefighting foam, photo imaging, hydraulic fluids, and textiles. Due to their persistence, PFASs are found in the blood of people and animals worldwide, and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) |
| Composition | Synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds with multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain |
| Number of Chemicals | 7 million |
| Uses | Nylon, yoga pants, carpets, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, mobile phone screens, wall paint, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, firefighting foam, electrical wire insulation, cosmetics, ski waxes, clothing |
| Industries | Electronics, equipment manufacturing, plastic and rubber production, food and textile production, building and construction |
| Environmental Impact | Groundwater, surface water, drinking water, soil, air, food, fish, meat, fruits, eggs, plants |
| Health Impact | Cancer, reproductive harm, immune system damage, endocrine (hormonal) system interference, foetus harm |
| Persistence | Lifespan of up to several thousand years |
| Regulatory Status | Restricted in the EU, listed under the Stockholm Convention, banned in certain forms by the US EPA |
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What You'll Learn
PFOS is a persistent organic pollutant
PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) that has been listed under the Stockholm Convention since 2009. PFOS is one of the three subgroups of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs), which are a large family of synthetic organic chemicals with partially or completely fluorinated carbon chains. PFASs were developed by the chemical industry from the 1940s and are known for their stability and resistance to degradation, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals" or "forever pollutants".
PFOS is intentionally produced and used in various industrial applications, including electric and electronic parts, firefighting foam, photo imaging, hydraulic fluids, and textiles. Its stable structure and desirable properties, such as heat resistance and water protection, have made it sought-after in these industries. However, the persistence of PFOS and other PFASs has led to widespread environmental and health concerns. Due to their long-term accumulation, humans, wildlife, and the environment remain exposed long after the compounds are released into the air, water, and soil.
PFOS and other PFASs have been detected in groundwater, surface water, drinking water, soil, and food sources. They can enter the environment through industrial manufacturing, the use and disposal of PFAS-containing products, and the incineration of solid waste. PFASs are easily transported over long distances, making it challenging to remediate polluted sites. The health risks associated with PFOS exposure include cancer, reproductive harm, immune system damage, and other serious health problems, even at low levels of exposure.
Regulatory actions have been taken to address the impact of PFOS and PFASs. The European Union, for example, has restricted PFOS under its POPs Regulation for more than 10 years. The Stockholm Convention also aims for the global elimination of PFOS and related compounds. While some countries plan further reductions and phase-outs, others, such as the United States, Israel, and Malaysia, have not ratified the agreement. The widespread use of PFOS and the challenges of detecting and measuring it continue to pose risks to human health and the environment.
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PFOS is toxic
PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonate, is a man-made chemical that is part of the larger group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS have been used in a variety of industrial and consumer applications since the 1940s due to their unique properties, such as high heat resistance and surface protection. PFOS, in particular, has been commonly used in electric and electronic parts, firefighting foam, photo imaging, hydraulic fluids, and textiles.
PFOS has gained attention in recent years due to its potential toxicity and impact on human health and the environment. It is classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) because of its long-term persistence in the environment and its ability to accumulate in people, animals, and the environment over time. PFOS has a very stable structure, which makes it resistant to degradation, leading to its nickname as a "forever chemical" or "forever pollutant".
The toxic effects of PFOS have been studied, and it is considered a hazardous substance with potential dangerous effects on both the environment and human health. PFOS has been classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This classification is based on strong evidence that PFOS exhibits some key properties of a carcinogen in exposed individuals and limited evidence that it can cause cancer in lab animals.
In addition to its potential carcinogenic effects, PFOS has been linked to other serious health issues. Studies have suggested that PFOS can cause reproductive harm, damage to the immune system, and interference with the human endocrine (hormonal) system. These effects can occur even at low levels of exposure. The widespread use of PFOS and its persistence in the environment have led to concerns about ongoing exposure and accumulation in the human body and the environment.
Regulatory actions have been taken to address the potential risks associated with PFOS. In the European Union, PFOS has been restricted for more than 10 years under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation, and it is also included in the international Stockholm Convention for elimination. While PFOS is no longer produced in the United States, it is still manufactured in several other countries, and its presence in certain products continues to be a concern.
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PFOS is a subgroup of PFAS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a subgroup of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS are a large class of synthetic chemicals that are used across society. PFOS is one of the most common and dangerous PFAS compounds.
PFAS are man-made, hazardous chemicals that have dangerous effects on the environment and human health. They are highly stable and resistant to degradation, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals" or "forever pollutants". PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, reproductive harm, immune system damage, endocrine disruption, and other serious health problems.
PFOS, specifically, has been associated with elevated cholesterol levels and is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is produced intentionally and also as an unintended degradation product of related anthropogenic chemicals. PFOS is widely used in electric and electronic parts, firefighting foam, photo imaging, hydraulic fluids, textiles, and insect bait.
PFOS has been restricted in the European Union (EU) for over ten years under the EU's Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation. It is also included in the international Stockholm Convention for elimination. Similarly, the United States has phased out the production of PFOS, although it is still manufactured in other countries and can reach US consumers through certain products.
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PFOS is widely used
PFOS, or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, is widely used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. PFOS is a man-made chemical developed in the 1940s and is one of the three subgroups of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs). PFASs are a large family of synthetic organic chemicals that have been used in various industries due to their desirable properties, such as high heat resistance, water protection, and grease and friction resistance. PFOS specifically has been utilized in multiple sectors, including electronics, aviation, textiles, and firefighting.
In the electronics industry, PFOS is used in electric and electronic parts, as well as in photo imaging. PFOS plays a crucial role in the semiconductor industry, where it is a component of multiple photolithographic chemicals, including photoacid generators (PAGs) and anti-reflective coatings (ARCs). This application takes advantage of PFOS's ability to lower the surface tension of water.
PFOS is also widely used in aviation, particularly in commercial aviation. It is a key ingredient in Skydrol, a fire-resistant hydraulic fluid used in aircraft systems. PFOS has further applications in firefighting, where it is an ingredient in firefighting foams, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and alcohol-type concentrate foams. These foams are used to suppress fires and are considered effective due to the chemical properties of PFOS.
Additionally, PFOS has found its way into the textile industry, where it is used as a fabric protector and stain repellent. PFOS-containing products, such as Scotchgard, have been popular for their ability to protect fabrics from water and stains. PFOS is also present in impregnation agents for textiles, paper, and leather. It can be found in everyday items such as waxes, polishes, paints, varnishes, and general cleaning products.
PFOS has been intentionally produced and used in various industries for its beneficial properties. However, it is important to note that PFOS is also an unintended degradation product of related anthropogenic chemicals. While PFOS has been restricted in some regions, such as the European Union, it continues to be produced and used in several countries. Its acceptable uses are regulated, including its application in insect bait to control leaf-cutting ants and in closed-loop systems in metal plating.
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PFOS is restricted in the EU
PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, is a man-made chemical that has been used in a variety of industrial applications since the 1940s. PFOS is one of three subgroups of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs), which are toxic chemicals that have hazardous effects on both the environment and human health. PFOS has been listed in Annex B (restriction) of the Stockholm Convention since 2009.
The EU's POPs Regulation sets limits for PFOS in food, drinking water, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and consumer products. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set a safety threshold for PFOS and other PFASs that accumulate in the body, as these substances are known to contaminate groundwater, surface water, and soil. PFOS has been restricted in the EU for more than 10 years, with the regulation entering into force on 28 August 2023.
In April 2025, the European Commission adopted a delegated regulation amending the EU POPs Regulation. This amendment includes changes to PFOS substance identification and introduces stricter concentration limits for PFOS present as an unintentional trace contaminant (UTC). The EU also restricts the use of certain PFAS chemicals to protect human health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
PFOS stands for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, a subgroup of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs). PFOS is a man-made chemical that is toxic and hazardous to human health and the environment.
PFOS is considered a persistent organic pollutant (POP) due to its persistence in the environment and ability to bioaccumulate. PFOS does not easily degrade and has a lifespan of up to several thousand years. It accumulates in the environment, drinking water, and food, leading to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
Humans are exposed to PFOS through contaminated food and drinking water. PFOS can enter the food chain by accumulating in fish, meat, fruits, eggs, and other food products. It is also present in groundwater and drinking water supplies. Additionally, occupational exposure occurs in various industries that utilise PFASs in their manufacturing processes.
