Meyer: The story of PFAS needs to be told

To be honest, I wasn't very familiar with the term PFAS before the spring of last year.

Scott Boito of Eastman Chemical was giving a regulatory update at our Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference. He told attendees that there would be much more focus on PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, and that agencies were using broad definitions aimed at being "all-inclusive of existing and possible future poly-fluorinated substances." His advice was: If you were using PFAS in your materials, it might be time to start looking at alternatives.

Well, he definitely wasn't wrong. Earlier this year, sources started contacting me, urging Rubber News to take a closer look into PFAS.

From the rubber industry's perspective, the story of these "forever chemicals" is one that impacts the fluoroelastomers and fluoropolymer side of the business. As often is the case, the European Union is acting first and in a manner that—depending on how it plays out—could have far-reaching effects within our space for years to come.

Ironically, the first company that suggested the story idea to me—with a promise to lend its perspective and expertise—in the end decided that PFAS had become such a hot topic it was best to remain mum. On one hand, I was a bit upset that after turning me onto the topic they were leaving me a bit out there in the cold. But on the other hand, their action made it clear that PFAS was, in fact, a major story of importance to our readers.

Thankfully, many others shared their insight into the potential impact of regulatory actions in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere, and detailed what their companies were doing in response.

And Rubber News has extensive coverage planned befitting a topic of this nature. We're starting off with an in-depth look at the status of the European Chemicals Agency's proposed restrictions on PFAS.

Our July 24 issue will look at how FKM producers and their customers are reacting, particularly with respect to 3M's plan to exit everything PFAS by the end of 2025. And the Aug. 7 issue will bring a focus on regulatory efforts in the U.S., both on the federal and state level.

In addition, exclusive coverage and insights will appear on rubbernews.com. There we will offer coverage that defines what a PFAS is, the growing amount of litigation tied to PFAS, resources on where to find more information, the viewpoint from advocacy groups pushing for tougher standards and any related breaking news.

Please let us know what you think of our coverage and, if you still want to weigh in on anything PFAS-related, contact me at [email protected]. I'm sure this issue will be with us for some time to come.

Meyer is editor of Rubber News. And right before he wrote this column, his wife informed him that the brand of dental floss he uses is made with high amounts of—you guessed it—PFAS.