The spotlight on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often called "forever chemicals," has intensified as industries face growing scrutiny over environmental and health concerns. Basic Coatings® is dedicated to transparency and leading the way in addressing the implications of PFAS within the wood floor industry amid evolving regulations.
Understanding PFAS
PFAS are a diverse group of man-made chemicals introduced in the 1950s, known for their stain, water, and grease-resistant properties. These chemicals are found in a wide array of consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and even personal care items. Their unique carbon-fluorine bond makes them resistant to degradation, contributing to their persistence in the environment.
In wood floor products, PFAS have been valued for enhancing water resistance, durability, and the ability to create smooth finishes. However, their environmental persistence raises significant concerns.
Why PFAS Matter
The same properties that make PFAS useful also make them problematic, as they do not easily break down in nature, leading to accumulation in the environment. Increased exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health issues, prompting closer examination by regulators and the public alike. The challenge for the wood floor industry is balancing product performance with reducing ecological and health impacts.
Regulatory Landscape
PFAS regulations are evolving rapidly, with a mixture of federal and state-level rules targeting these chemicals. For example, Minnesota will ban PFAS in certain cleaning products by January 2025. States such as Maine and New York have already established reporting requirements for products with added PFAS, while the EPA is working towards setting national guidelines and exposure limits.
Moreover, a recent executive order tasks the General Services Administration (GSA) with identifying and replacing PFAS in various applications within the next five years. Keeping track of these regulations is crucial, and resources like Bloomberg Industry Group’s activity tracker provide valuable updates.
Basic Coatings’ Commitment
Basic Coatings is committed to exceeding compliance requirements:
- Minimal Unintentional PFAS: 95% of our offerings have never contained significant PFAS levels.
- Ongoing Reformulations: For products where PFAS were discovered, we have successfully reformulated about half, with plans to continue until all formulations are updated ahead of regulatory deadlines.
- Innovation Leadership: We are collaborating with global chemical innovators to explore and implement PFAS-free alternatives, particularly for specialized applications where substitutes are hard to find.
- Third-Party Standards: Many of our products meet stringent third-party certifications, such as MAS Certified Green®, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability