U.S. PFAS Rules May Catch Silicone Users Off Guard
New EPA PFAS regulations, effective March 2026, now ensnare unexpected products—including coatings with fluorosilicone additives. While standard PDMS (no C–F bonds) is PFAS-free, fluorinated variants (e.g., trifluoropropyl silicones) likely fall under the broad OECD/EPA definition.
These are used for extreme oil/water repellency but contain perfluoroalkyl chains (–C₆F₁₃, etc.). Even small amounts can trigger import holds in states like California or Maine, where PFAS bans are active.
Check INCI names for “fluoro” or “perfluoro” prefixes. Request fluorine content via XRF or IC. For most applications, non-fluorinated silicones suffice. If fluorosilicones are essential, confirm regulatory status early—and never assume “it’s just a trace.”
