PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a large family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that include PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid).
Characteristics of PFAS/PFOA/PFOS:
Chemical Stability: PFAS are incredibly stable, which means they don't break down easily in the environment or in the human body.
Water and Oil Repellency: Due to their chemical structure, PFAS are both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and oleophobic (oil-repelling).
Resistance to Heat and Chemicals: PFAS can withstand extreme temperatures and are resistant to various chemicals.

These substances are known for their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them highly resistant to heat, water, and oil. Till now, PFAS have been widely used in a number of different fields:
Non-Stick Cookware: PFAS are used in non-stick pans and pots to create a smooth and durable surface that prevents food from sticking.
Textile Treatments: PFAS are often used to make fabrics water, stain, and oil resistant. They are commonly found in outdoor clothing, raincoats, and other waterproof apparel. Outdoor and sports apparel often use PFAS for their water-resistant properties, helping to keep wearers dry in wet conditions.
Stain-Resistant Fabrics and Carpets: PFAS are used in treatments for fabrics, furniture, and carpets to repel stains and spills.
Food Packaging: Certain types of food packaging, such as microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, may contain PFAS to resist grease and prevent soaking.
Firefighting Foams: Some firefighting foams used for extinguishing oil and gasoline fires (Aqueous Film Forming Foams - AFFF) contain PFAS, which make them effective at spreading over and smothering the flames.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: PFAS might be used in some cosmetics and personal care products for their texture and durability, including in nail polish, moisturizers, and shaving cream.
Cleaning Products: Certain specialized cleaning products may contain PFAS due to their grease-fighting properties.
Industrial Applications: PFAS are used in various industrial processes and products, including chrome plating, electronics manufacturing, and as lubricants in aerospace technology.

PFAS are known for their environmental and health hazards due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and a wide range of associated health issues. Their chemical stability means they don't easily degrade, leading to long-term contamination of water and soil. These substances accumulate in the bodies of living organisms, including humans, posing significant health risks. High levels of certain PFAS have been linked to adverse health outcomes such as cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, and developmental issues. Specific health concerns include kidney and testicular cancer, liver and thyroid damage, impaired immune function, developmental problems in infants and children, reproductive issues, altered cholesterol levels, and endocrine disruption. Exposure to PFAS can lead to conditions like liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, reduced immunity, low birth weight, accelerated puberty, developmental delays, fertility issues, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and increased levels of LDL cholesterol, known as "bad" cholesterol. In response to these serious health and environmental risks, the United Nations' Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants implemented a global ban on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its related compounds in 2019, which has been embraced by over 160 countries. With exemptions nearing their end, products containing PFOA & PFOS, such as Teflon® and other coatings, are on the verge of a total ban. Consequently, companies are innovating with alternative coating solutions that are completely free from PFOA & PFOS, thereby enhancing product performance while complying with regulations and protecting public health.