PFAS Prohibition
Prohibiting PFAS in Paints and Coatings, Adhesives, Floor Care Products, and Cleaning and Degreasing Agents
We are proposing criteria to prohibit any per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) standards certified building restoration products and cleaners and degreasers, in line with our commitment to eliminate these harmful “forever chemicals” from the supply chain for consumer products.
We have taken a leadership position by enacting an aggressive ingredient prohibition that addresses PFAS as an entire chemical class. In 2022, we updated our standards for cleaning and personal care products to require certified products be formulated without any PFAS. Now, we are proposing similar updates to the following standards:
- Standard for Paints, Coatings, Stains, and Sealers (GS-11)
- Standard for Cleaning and Degreasing Agents (GS-34)
- Standard for Adhesives for Commercial Use (GS-36)
- Standard for Floor-Care Products for Institutional and Industrial Use (GS-40)
Open for Public Comment:
We believe a collaborative approach leads to better outcomes for everyone. We are seeking your feedback on the proposed revisions to prohibit PFAS in these standards.
Please submit comments or questions by December 20, 2024.
A High-Impact Initiative
PFAS chemicals have been used for decades across industries because their carbon-fluorine bonds make them very stable and effective at repelling oil, water, and heat. This unique chemical structure also makes them resistant to degradation, meaning they persist in the environment as so-called “forever chemicals.” PFAS are now found in the blood of most people around the world and are linked to numerous adverse health effects, including cancer, reproductive harm, and decreased immune response.
PFAS frequently are used as functional ingredients in building restoration products and industrial cleaners. For example:
- Almost all acrylic and wax floor finishes on the market contain PFAS, which are often used as leveling and wetting agents
- A recent study found that half of tested paint products contain PFAS. PFAS may be added to improve glossiness and to reduce peeling. Other attributes include stain-resistance or water repellency
- PFAS may be added to adhesives to increase wettability and to improve penetration of the substrate
- PFAS frequently are used in solvents for cleaning and degreasing products to lower surface tension and help rinse-off
Collaborative Program Development
Our reputation for credibility and market impact rests on an open and transparent process for developing our science-based criteria by following international best practices. We seek public comment on our draft criteria and input from industry, environmental researchers and advocates, product purchasers, and the public.
We use stakeholder feedback to inform our decisions on final standard criteria. This stakeholder feedback is critical to making sure our programs and standards are relevant, scientifically accurate, and a true reflection of environmental leadership in today’s market. During the standard development process, we strive for balanced input from all interest categories. To learn more, see our Standards Manual .
