Isolated chemicals and chemical compounds are naturally found in the environment. Some of the most abundantly found chemicals in the world include aluminum, oxygen, iron, and silicon.
On the other extreme if this spectrum are man-made or synthetic chemicals formed in a laboratory. These are heavily used in industrial applications, including propylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon, and more.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals that nearly 700 new chemicals are produced every year. They are added to the US Toxic Substances Control Act. From the synthetic chemicals already in existence, one group that has become a major cause of concern is PFAS.
The term is an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, used since the 1940s. Their danger is lurking on the horizon to the extent that PFAS have been banned by early 2026. In this article, we will discuss the upcoming PFAS ban, the industries most affected by it, and how companies plan to cope with the change.
The Reason Behind a Worldwide PFAS Ban
Let’s understand the need for a PFAS ban first. These chemicals have enjoyed wide industrial applications, including Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or Class B firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant garments, etc. Some of the key preferred properties of PFAS were grease, oil resistance, and low viscosity.
For decades, firefighters were directly exposed to these chemicals as they were later discovered even in their turnout gear. Direct exposure is not the problem. The issue lies with PFAS being discovered as carcinogenic and toxic to the environment.
Firefighters began developing conditions like cancers of the bladder, testicles, and kidneys. In 2017, injured firemen filed an AFFF foam lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers like 3M and DuPont. All cases were consolidated into a class-action multi-district litigation (MDL) by the following year.
Gradually, the litigation grew and was divided into two categories – personal injury and water contamination cases. This meant that PFAS were toxic to the human body and the environment. Studies also found that these chemicals were ubiquitous, found just about anywhere.
About half of US tap water, restaurant food packages, and even rainwater samples showed positive for PFAS traces. By this time, the water contamination cases had been settled via Bellwether trials. According to TruLaw, over 7,700 personal injury claims are still awaiting settlements. Trials for these cases are to be conducted soon.
Given the far-reaching effects of PFAS, it is likely that thousands of claims will be made in the future. The fact that PFAS are also known as the forever chemicals does not help either. This is because these chemicals do not easily degrade in the environment or the human body. A ban was the least requirement even though it may not rid the world of these harmful chemicals.
The European Union (EU) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sprung into action, issuing a ban on the manufacture, sale, or distribution of PFAS. 2026 is considered to be the year by which this ban is to take effect. When it comes to eliminating PFAS, that may take decades since research is currently underway to that end.
Industries Most Significantly Affected
The upcoming PFAS ban will affect some industries more than others. The impact will extend from the way these industries source their materials to how they conduct production value chains.
Here’s a rundown of the industries that may be severely affected, along with where they use PFAS.
- Firefighting – This industry mainly used PFAS to put out liquid-fuel fires. Later, a study discovered that these chemicals were a part of the turnout gear as well.
- Electronics – In electronics, PFAS are used to improve the smoldering process as well as the manufacturing of semiconductors.
- Consumer goods – This industry uses PFAS in stain-resistant apparel, non-stick cookware, food packages, and any paper coated for non-stickiness.
- Personal care – The main items in which you will find PFAS include dental floss, cosmetics, nail polish, and more.
Have Alternatives Been Developed?
The upcoming PFAS ban is ultimate, permanent, and all-encompassing. All industries are expected to make the necessary changes to keep their employees and customers safe from PFAS.
One major way that is to happen is when companies use appropriate non-toxic alternatives. So, have industries worked in this area? Yes, but full-blown use may take more time till additional research is conducted.
For instance, the firefighting industry has come up with some effective harmless fluorine-free alternatives. These include fluorine-free foam, water mist systems, eco gel, and compressed air foam systems. Trials and tests are being conducted to make these widely available by the time the complete ban takes effect.
Some industries may struggle a bit more. For example, there are currently no effective alternatives to non-stick coating or films. Customers are being advised to use safer materials like cast iron and stainless steel. It may be a tough ride for these before they see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In the end, a major shift is taking place across industry verticals. National and state authorities are working rigorously to stop the proliferation of these already inescapable chemicals.
Recently, Connecticut and Massachusetts announced that all firefighting turnout gear must be free of PFAS by 2027 or by 2028. Others like Rhode Island are delaying bans, pushing them to January 2025.
In any case, the upcoming prohibition will alter the course of business. Companies need to check the guidelines for their industry and make changes accordingly.