PFAS and the Appliances Industry

Topics include:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) overview

PFAS chemicals are persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative substances that create multiple adverse effects on human health. They are found in many common household products, and their impacts can include:

• Kidney and liver damage
• Decreased immune system function
• Interference with vaccine uptake
• Developmental and reproductive harm
• Increased risk of asthma
• Increased incidences of certain types of cancer

The regulatory landscape in Canada, the EU and the US

As our knowledge about PFAS increases, regulations in Canada, the EU and the U.S. are constantly changing. For instance, the U.S. has federal laws covering PFAS, while many states — such as California, Colorado and Minnesota — have additional state laws targeting PFAS.

PFAS testing approach

To help manufacturers demonstrate compliance to PFAS-related requirements, UL Solutions offers testing support including:

• Total fluorine testing
• Organic solvent extraction
• Chromatographic test methods
  • Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

How UL Solutions can help

With our safety science expertise and third-party testing capabilities, we help you navigate regulatory complexity to manage compliance needs and develop more sustainable processes.