The European Commission has taken strict measures under the REACH regulation to restrict the use of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and its related substances, which are a subclass of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The European Commission has taken strict measures under the REACH regulation to restrict the use of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and its related substances, which are a subclass of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This is different from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) which is evaluating potential restrictions on the entire PFAS group ("generic PFAS restrictions") after five European governments submitted proposals in 2023. These persistent chemicals are known for their environmental mobility and potential health risks, and require immediate regulatory action.
Understand PFHxA and PFAS
PFHxA is a part of the broader PFAS family, consisting of thousands of synthetic chemicals and possessing properties such as heat resistance, water resistance, and oil resistance. PFAS is commonly referred to as a 'permanent chemical substance' that does not naturally decompose but accumulates over time in the environment and human body. PFHxA and its raw materials have high fluidity and persistence in water, which means they can spread far from the release source, polluting soil, groundwater, and even drinking water supply.
Why PFHxA is worrying
PFHxA related substances are used in various consumer products due to their waterproof and anti fouling properties. However, they are ubiquitous in consumer goods such as textiles, food packaging, and cosmetics, which means they are released into the environment throughout their entire lifecycle from manufacturing to disposal. The environmental and health risks associated with PFHxA include potential associations with adverse health effects such as liver toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and developmental issues. Although PFHxA has been used as a substitute for the now banned perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its environmental persistence and widespread use have also brought similar issues.
Scope and impact of new restrictions
The new restrictions under REACH regulation will target several key applications of PFHxA:
Consumer textiles: Raincoats and other items, using PFHxA waterproof and stain resistant.
Food packaging: including pizza boxes and other products, which are typically treated with PFHxA to prevent oil contamination.
Waterproof spray and cosmetics: PFHxA exists in some waterproof spray and skin care products.
Fire foam: especially suitable for training and testing applications.
This regulation does not affect the use of PFHxA in other critical applications such as semiconductors, batteries, or green hydrogen fuel cells, for which there are currently no viable alternatives.
Implementation time
The restrictions on PFHxA will officially come into effect 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. According to the product category, the industry will have a transition period of 18 months to 5 years to comply with the new regulations. This schedule aims to enable the company to transition to safer alternatives without causing significant economic disruption.
Source: Exclusive release by PUWORLD
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