Delivering Fluid Sealing Solutions Since 1972

PFAS and Forever Chemicals in the Sealing Industry

What are PFAS? An Overview Guide

The terms “PFAS” and “Forever Chemicals” are becoming increasingly common in environmental health and industrial practices.

PFAS (per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances) is a chemical family consisting of at least 5,000 individual substances and have been widely in use since the 1950’s.

PFAS are often favoured for their unique properties:

  • Non-stick
  • Water repellent
  • Stain and grease resistant
  • Heat resistant

What are “Forever Chemicals”?

The term ‘Forever Chemicals’  is a widely used term used to describe PFAS and is used to refer to their longevity and persistence in the environment. Due to the strong carbon-fluorine bond, PFAS do not easily degrade naturally, meaning they can remain in soil, water and living organisms for exceptionally long periods.

What are PFAS used for?

PFAS are used across a vast array of industries and consumer products, including:

  • Consumer Products

    • Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
    • Water/stain-resistant fabric: found on outdoor clothing (rain jackets, overalls), tents, carpets, upholstery and furniture.
    • Food packaging: Greaseproof paper, fast-food wrappers, pizza boxes and other food containers
    • Personal care products & cosmetics – shampoos, dental floss, nail polish, eye makeup, foundation and sun cream
    • Cleaning products – stain removers, floor waxes and polishes
    • Paints and varnishes – improves durability, water resistance and overall finish
  • Industrial Applications
    • Automotive fuels
    • Fire fighting – extinguishing foam
    • Aerospace hydraulic and fuel systems
    • Medical devices (stents, catheters)
    • Pesticides

PFAS and the Sealing Industry

The sealing industry heavily relies on materials with robust performance characteristics to ensure product integrity and safety across many different applications. Many PFAS such as PTFE, FKM and FFKM are favoured  in sealing solutions due to characteristics such as: 

  • High chemical resistance – PFAS materials are practically unaffected by aggressive chemicals such as: strong acids, bases, solvents and corrosives
  • High temperature resistance
  • Low friction – Reduces wear and tear, improving efficiency and extending longevity
  • Low permeation – preventing leaks of gases.
  • Maintains dimensions and integrity

E&OE. This information was gathered by our manufacturing partners. For more information, visit www.dwi.gov.uk.