Oral · Pages 187–193
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
Since its publication, the REACH regulation has changed many things in Europe and even in the world. From now on, tanners, manufacturers of leathergoods, control bodies are used to the publication of lists of chemical substances that will be regulated or soon banned. One family of substances is particularly concerned, the PFAS (Perfl uoroalkyl and Polyfl uoroalkyl Substances). They were generally used as surfactants and are identifi ed as persistent organic pollutants hazardous for humans and the environment. Leather is concerned by these regulations. In 2006, the fi rst substances of this family, PFOS, were banned. Since then, new families of PFASs have been added on a regular basis, with some stakeholders even calling for a total ban on all PFAS. For 3 years, the CEN standardization groups (leather, footwear and textile) have been working together to establish a coherent list of PFAS, i.e., both concerned by the legislation and potentially used in our fi elds of activities. The various works carried out by these standardization groups have identifi ed several inaccuracies that can generate important troubles on the market. This article will describe the present situation, - The list of PFAS, more than 40 substances are concerned, which carbon chain lengths? - Which materials, in particular which polymers concerned? which additives - Which extractions, the ECHA (European Chemical Agency) has confi rmed that energetic extractions are necessary - Which analytical techniques, chromatography of substances or global research of a fl uorine index? - The inventory of the different standard projects in progress.