PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have earned the moniker of “forever chemicals”. These man-made substances are renowned for their persistence in the environment and potential impact on public health. Due to their inherent stability, PFAS resist degradation and can accumulate in the body over time, making them a subject of concern for scientists and health professionals alike. Some research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may impact various aspects of human health, potentially affecting growth, reproduction, and development, and even raising the risk of cancer.
While PFAS are widely used across multiple industries for their unique properties – stability under intense heat and acting as effective surfactants – they aren’t typically associated with the formulation of fragrances. Fragrance compounds are usually a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients and, while versatile, PFAS aren’t part of this mix. Instead, these “forever chemicals” are more frequently employed to impart resistance to heat, oil, and water.
However, this doesn’t mean PFAS don’t feature in sectors that make use of fragrances. For instance, they could be part of the coating of some packaging materials, cosmetics, or personal care products that also incorporate fragrance. Their ability to repel water and grease can be a desirable trait in certain applications.
Broadly, PFAS find use in an array of sectors due to their unique characteristics. Major industries deploying these substances include aerospace and defence, automotive, aviation, food contact materials, textiles, leather and apparel, construction and household products, electronics, firefighting, food processing, and even medical articles