Teflon®, GenX and PFAS
1.
Fluoropolymers, recognizable by brand names like Teflon®, Polyflon®, Neoflon®,
Dyneon®, Hyflon®, Algoflon® and Fluon®, are indispensable in many industrial and consumer
applications.
2.
Fluoropolymers enable the essentials of modern life today and will provide solutions for the
future. They are used in aerospace computers and processors, hydraulics and fuel systems. These
innovative automotive applications improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in automobiles.
They provide various components of renewable energy installations and materials that help lower
energy consumption and foster environmental safety in the chemical and power sectors. In the
technology space, they are used in the cellphones, smart tablets and 5G. They are essential
components in computer server farms that allow almost every industry on earth to store and share
data electronically. In medical applications, they reduce the risk of equipment failures, infections and
unnecessary medical procedures. Catheters, breathing tubes, some pharmaceuticals and other critical
medical necessities require Fluoropolymers for their creation. For many of the applications, there are
no readily available replacements.
3.
To produce Teflon® and other fluoropolymers, a soap-like processing aid is needed to act as
a surfactant. GenX is one example of a fluoropolymer polymerization aid (PPA). Other companies
use different PPAs that are created using similar chemistry to GenX.
4.
GenX is a so called PFAS, a perfluoroalkyl substance. PFAS are a subset of fluorinated
substances, a combination of carbon and fluorine. Substances that meet the definition of PFAS,
thousands by some estimates, have a variety of physical and chemical properties, health and
environmental profiles, uses and benefits.
5.
If GenX is not used to create Teflon®, the applications and products named above cease to
exist, unless GenX is replaced by another PFAS in the production process. See Annex I for other
PFAS similar to GenX used by major manufacturers.
6.
Any regulation of GenX would, therefore, have to apply to all other PFAS used in the
polymerization of fluoropolymers as well. GenX can't be singled out. Else there would not be a level
playing field and identical situations would be treated differently.
7.
Any PFAS regulation, however, needs to keep in mind that until there is a better alternative
in the market, PFAS are indispensable to create the products and applications mentioned above.
8.
Further, it is important to segment PFAS into categories and classes using clear, specific and
descriptive terms. Fluoropolymers, like Teflon®, are not bioavailable, bioaccumulative or subject to
long range transport and meet accepted regulatory assessment criteria to be considered as polymers of
low concern. See Annex II for PFAS segmentation.