PFAS, also called "forever chemicals," have been used in everything from raincoats to electronics. But their popularity is at risk as more concerns about their health and environmental impact emerge.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are highly stable compounds used in products like waterproof jackets and nonstick pans due to their unique properties. Their persistence in the environment and human bodies raises health and environmental concerns. Despite initial benefits, PFAS have been linked to disrupting endocrine systems and suppressing immunity in humans. Efforts to regulate and address PFAS contamination are ongoing, including research, regulations, and cleanup efforts. The challenge lies in finding alternatives for these ubiquitous substances, while the slow degradation and widespread contamination pose significant challenges to their removal from various ecosystems.
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Deadline Almost Up to Comment on Proposed PFAS Restrictions in EU
The deadline for adding public commentary or requesting exemptions to a proposed ban on PFAS in the EU is coming to a close on September 25, 2023. Learn more about the restrictions and how to submit your comment to the ECHA here.
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The Current State PFAS Regulations in the United States
The United States is witnessing a swift evolution in PFAS regulations, with new federal limits on drinking water and states like Maine and Minnesota enacting comprehensive bans on PFAS in various products. Over 34 states have introduced restrictions, signaling a growing effort to address PFAS contamination and associated health risks nationwide.
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4 Reasons Why Suppliers Might Not Give You The PFAS Info You Need
Navigating the complexities of PFAS regulations poses significant challenges for businesses, as the EPA mandates comprehensive reporting on PFAS usage while obtaining crucial data from suppliers is hindered by factors such as limited resources, proprietary concerns, and regional variations in regulatory oversight, prompting the consideration of contingency measures like independent testing and transitioning to more transparent suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulations through strategic foresight.
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Making Sense of TSCA’s New PFAS Requirements
The EPA's recent implementation of TSCA Section 8(a)(7) mandates businesses to report their PFAS usage from 2011 to 2022, reflecting a broader effort to regulate these pervasive chemicals. This move signifies a crucial step in understanding and addressing the health and environmental risks associated with PFAS, while also imposing significant compliance obligations and financial burdens on affected entities.
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Why Electronics Manufacturers Should Be Concerned About PFAS
PFAS, chemicals initially developed for their resilience, have found widespread use in electronics manufacturing due to their properties like heat and water resistance. However, their accumulation in the environment has raised serious health concerns, prompting global regulations. The EPA's TSCA Section 8(a)(7) requires reporting PFAS usage, urging companies to assess their supply chains.
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EPA's PFAS Reporting Mandate: A Compliance Expert’s Insights
The EPA's new mandate requires self-reporting of PFAS usage in manufacturing processes, affecting all companies importing into or manufacturing in the U.S. since 2011. Compliance expert Mike Kirschner discusses challenges in this process, emphasizing the need for understanding supply chains and investing in resources for ongoing compliance tracking, such as Z2Data's platform.
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Where Are Pfas in Your Electronics Supply Chain?
The growing concern over PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in electronics manufacturing is prompting regulatory action, particularly in the European Union. This has significant implications for the electronics supply chain, as PFAS are present in various components and processes.
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