The European Commission restricts perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) as Entry 68 of the Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Annex XVII. The restriction will be applicable as of February 25, 2023. PFCAs cannot be placed on the market or used after that date. Some applications have been granted longer transition periods.
Long-chain PFCAs, their salts and related compounds are members of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) chemical class. Long-chain PFCAs are persistent, bio accumulative, have evidence of adverse effects to human health and the environment.
Long-chain PFCAs has wider applications in electronic articles, medical devices, automotive care products. It is also used in cookware and household products, Building and construction materials, Textiles and apparel, Fire-fighting foam etc.
The release of long-chain PFCAs into the environment can occur directly or indirectly. It can be directly released during production process. Compounds related to long-chain PFCAs can be emitted to the environment indirectly through biotic or abiotic degradation. Humans may be exposed to long-chain PFCAs and their related products through food, drinking water, indoor/outdoor air or dust and consumer products.
The restriction will hopefully reduce or prevent exposure of people and the environment to PFCAs.
Government of Canada has also proposed to list LC-PFCAs as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.
For information on the PFCA restriction details above, contact one of our compliance experts today.
