Canada Approves Ban on Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) NO. 28/2008 The Canadian government recently approved the ban on perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) issued by Environment Canada on January 9, 2007. PFOS (sulfonate) and its salts and derivatives are subject to proposed regulations in consumer products. These regulations would prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, supply, importation, and manufacture of products containing PFOS, effective May 29, 2008. The regulations are based on subsection 93(1) of section 319 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA 1999). The aim is to prevent environmental harm caused by the use of the following substances.   Perfluorooctane sulfonate and its salts Contains C8F17SO2, Regarding compounds with C8F17SO3 or C8F17SO2N groups, in Europe, the European Parliament voted in 2007 to adopt the new amendment 2006/122/EC to the EU Dangerous Substances Directive (76/769/EEC), which strictly restricts the market entry and use of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and related substances. Member States were required to transpose the contents of the Directive into their national law by 27 December 2007, and to implement the restrictions from 27 June 2008. **Canada CEPA 1999** **EU 2006/122/EC** **Scope** **Limits** **Effective Date** **Scope** **Limits** **Effective Date** **Consumer Products Prohibited** **2008/05/29** **In Preparations** **In Semi-finished Products** **In Textiles or Coatings** ≤ 0.005% ≤ 0.1% ≤ 1 μg/m²** **2008/06/27** **Exclusions:** Certain applications will be permitted for five years from the effective date, for example... src="http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000016/1x1_transparent.gif">
Electrochrome plating, chrome plating, anodizing,
Reverse etching
electroless plating of nickel-polytetraethylene
Etching of plastic substrate before metallization
Exclusion:
Anti-reflective coating in photocopying process
Industrial photography coatings
Chrome plating inhibitor
Hydraulic Flow Systems
Harmful Effects of PFOS
PFOS is a perfluorinated chemical with good heat resistance and resistance to environmental damage, as well as water and oil resistance. Perfluorinated chemicals accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are harmful to both humans and wildlife. There is evidence that exposure to perfluorinated chemicals, including PFOS, may cause birth defects, adverse effects on the immune system, and damage to thyroid function. During pregnancy, it can also cause developmental problems in infants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency believes that occupational exposure to PFOS is associated with bladder cancer. PFOS Applications1. Surface treatment: stain, oil, and water repellency for personal clothing, home décor, and automotive interiors. 2. For paper protection: As part of the pulp forming process, it ensures the oil and water resistance of paper and paperboard. 3. Performance Chemicals: Widely used in specialized industrial, commercial, and consumer sectors. Special applications include fire-retardant foams, surfactants for mining and oil wells, acid mist suppressants for metal plating and electronic etching tanks, photolithography, electronic chemicals, hydraulic fluids, alkaline cleaners, floor polishes, photographic film, denture cleaners, shampoos, chemical mediators, paints, carpet stain removers, and insecticides that can also be used as bait. Note: For relevant laws, please refer to the original text. Source: EU Directive 2006/122/ECCanada CEPA1999 |
