PFAS in Cleaning Products: Challenges, Regulations, and Safer Alternatives
Dr. Adam Klett and Ram Wissel from KYZEN Corporation discuss PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in this video. PFAS are a group of chemicals used in many products because of their stability and resistance to chemicals. They’re great for harsh environments and can help cleaning products work better. However, there’s a big problem with PFAS: they’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily. Ram explains that PFAS can get into groundwater, food, and even human blood. This is worrying because they can build up over time. Because of these concerns, new regulations are trying to phase out PFAS use.
You might be surprised to learn that PFAS are in many everyday items like waterproof coatings, non-stick pans, and even popcorn bags. The regulations mean that companies must find alternatives, especially for cleaning products. Ram mentions that this isn’t the first time regulations have changed what chemicals we can use. For example, CFCs were banned after they were found to be damaging the ozone layer (KYZEN was among the first companies to develop environmentally friendly cleaning technologies to replace CFCs). The industrial cleaning industry is developing new products that work just as well but don’t use PFAS. It’s a challenge, but it’s important for protecting the environment and human health.