Perfluorooctane Sulphonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

PFOS is used in chromium plating, pesticides and hydraulic, aviation fluids. PFOS and PFOA are used to give grease, oil and water resistance to textiles and paper. They are also used in photolithography, floor polishes and firefighting foams. PFOA is still used as a processing aid in the production of fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), although its use is being phased out.

The EU classifies PFOS as toxic to aquatic organisms and bees, potentially causing long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. PFOS were initially restricted in Europe through directive 2006/122/EC before being incorporated in Annex 17 of REACH. The limit for PFOS in substances and preparations was 50 ppb. This directive also states that PFOA poses a similar risk to PFOS. In 2010, the restriction regulation on PFOS was replaced by Regulation (EU) No. 757/2010, amending Regulation (EC) No. 850/2004 on persistent organic pollutants.