PFAS stands for PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES, a large group of man-made synthetic chemicals, commonly referred to as “FOREVER CHEMICALS” because they do not break down in the environment or in the human body. Their carbon-fluorine bonds are one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. So strong that normal environmental forces such as sunlight, water, heat and bacteria cannot easily destroy them.
WHY ARE THEY SO WIDELY USED?
PFAS substances are used because of their extremely high resistance to both oil and water-based contaminants and their exceptional long-lasting lifespan. They are used extensively across a wide range of industries including the cosmetic, textile and clothing, paint, paper and packaging, waste and water management, fire protection, electronics, aerospace and automotive.
WHY ARE THEY USED IN STONE, TILE AND GROUT SEALERS?
They are used because they provide the same exceptional, long-lasting dual protection against both water and oil-based contaminants that traditional compounds cannot easily replicate.
WHAT HAS SCIENCE NOW DISCOVERED ABOUT PFAS?
Extreme Environmental Persistence: The environment cannot break them down; hence they continually accumulate in the environment forever.- They Persist in the Body: They are absorbed into the human body through food, water, or by breathing airborne PFAS contaminants. PFAS compounds are transferred from mothers to infants through human breast milk and can remain in the body for years. This also applies to all animals and wildlife.
- Clearer Links to Chronic Health Risks: PFAS exposure has now been linked by health agencies world-wide, to a number of different health risks including cancer, immune and hormone deficiencies, diabetes, heart disease, decreased fertility, increased risks in pregnancy, increased risk in a child’s development such as reduced cognitive, motor and language development and lower bone strength.
REGULATION CHANGES
Australia has already introduced bans on key PFAS chemicals used in other industries such as; agricultural, cosmetic, cookware and firefighting chemicals. PFAS regulations are evolving rapidly in Australia and internationally, as scientific understanding and regulatory expectations continue to develop.
THE AQUA MIX® POSITION ON PFAS
As soon as the science became clear around the facts and possible risks of Forever Chemicals, and although the banning of these chemicals globally, is still in its early stages, Aqua Mix decided to completely remove them from our products. This process has been complex due to the reliance on these chemicals by raw material suppliers world-wide. This reliance has meant that there are very few chemical alternatives. However, just as Aqua Mix® pioneered water based natural stone, tile and grout sealers over 40 years ago, we are proud to announce both the introduction of our flagship, premium penetrating sealer, Aqua Mix® Sealers Choice® Gold PFAS-Free and the complete removal of all Forever Chemicals from the Aqua Mix® product line. So once again Aqua Mix® is pioneering the way to safer, high-performance products for the care and maintenance of natural stone, tile and grout.