Associating paint and coatings products with high-risk PFAS creates an inaccurate perception of safety risks; oatings products that use low-concern PFAS should not be regulated the same as products using high-risk PFAS.
The Issue
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 14,000 engineered chemicals used in a variety of industrial and consumer products because they provide superior performance characteristics.
Some PFAS chemistries present high risks for human health and the environment; but others do not. Polymers and fluoropolymers—which are the type of PFAS most commonly used in coatings—are very low concern because they are nontoxic, chemically stable, non- bioavailable.
That’s why coatings products that use low-concern PFAS should not be regulated the same as products using high-risk PFAS.
The Impact
Associating paint and coatings products with highrisk PFAS creates an inaccurate perception of safety risks; restricts access to critical raw materials that provide optimal performance; and exposes the industry to increased product liability claims.
Polymers and fluoropolymers are used in very high performing coatings for critical infrastructure:
- Implantable medical devices
- Protection of bridges
- Water delivery and filtration systems
- Energy efficient buildings
- Electric vehicles
- Solar panels
- Aerospace
- Semiconductors critical to national defense
Our Ask
- Do NOT treat all PFAS the same—they are not
- Coatings should not face the same regulatory restrictions as products with high-risk PFAS.
- EPA should instead pursue science-based regulation that acknowledges the low concern and low-risk profile of polymers and fluoropolymers