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Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)

CAS 1763-23-1

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Also known as: pfos, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonate

Part of family: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

What it is + why it's regulated

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, often called PFOS, is a man-made chemical that does not break down easily in the environment. It has been used in products like stain-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, and some industrial coatings. PFOS is regulated because it is a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) substance, meaning it stays in the environment for a long time, builds up in living things, and can cause harm. The European Union's REACH program lists PFOS on its Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern because it is also toxic for reproduction. This means it can harm fertility or unborn children. Because of these risks, PFOS is restricted under REACH and classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) under international rules. You can find more details on the official EU REACH Candidate List at https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table. This summary draws on public regulatory data; the linked source is authoritative.

Listed reason: PBT; toxic for reproduction
Regulation: REACH restricted; POP

Authoritative source

Issuing body: EU REACH SVHC Candidate List
Primary register: https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table

Always verify each fact at the primary register before acting on it.

What this is NOT

ProductGuru is an INDEX of public regulatory data, not a primary source. This page is not medical, occupational-health, or legal advice. Every claim above is drawn from the issuing-agency register linked. Inclusion in our index is not endorsement, condemnation, or hazard assessment.

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