PFAS covered textiles can keep emergency personnel safe

Medical professionals need to be protected from the bodily fluids of their patients, which contain germs, bacteria or viruses that could make them ill. One level of protection, is liquid repellent textiles, such as medical gowns, caps and mouth masks. Fluorinated chemicals (part of the PFAS ‘family’) can provide this level of protection. They also increase the longevity of the personal protective equipment in which they are applied.

In addition to requiring special attire that protects fire fighters from intense heat, they also need the liquid repellent properties PFAS can offer textiles. Fire fighters intervening in an automobile incident or fire may be sprayed by acids from the battery or oil, petrol or hydraulic fluids from which they need to be protected.

Another example is law enforcement. Police rescue teams wear bullet-proof jackets to protect themselves from gunshots, cuts and stab wounds. If water were to leak through the microfilaments, it might act as a lubricant when a hot bullet penetrates the vest with a speed of 350 or 450 m/s, potentially injuring or killing the wearer. Rain may thus impact the effectiveness of the garments. Fluorinated chemicals are able to repel water and can also protect against heat and flame, dirt and oily liquids, and chemical, biological or particulate perspective, especially if a combination of these is needed.

For more information, visit Euratex or ESF contributions to the PFAS consultation (#9403, 9478, 9059).

Background
The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic analysis (SEAC) are currently reviewing the proposed Universal PFAS Restriction. The next sectors to be discussed in September 2024 are Textiles, upholstery, leather, apparel, carpets (TULAC), along with Food contact materials and packaging; and Petroleum and mining.

Content prepared 29 August 2024