[ad_1]
When Patagonia redesigned its Torrentshell rain jacket to do away with PFAS or “eternally chemical substances,” the method took 5 years. It was one of many firm’s ultimate steps earlier than reaching its final objective: phasing out PFAS in all of its merchandise, together with materials, zippers, and thread, earlier than 2025.
PFAS, a bunch of hundreds of various chemical substances, have been ubiquitous for many years as a result of they’re good at making surfaces slippery, stain-resistant, or waterproof. They’re present in all the pieces from dental floss and waterproof mascara to meals packaging and your iPhone contact display screen. They’re additionally an environmental catastrophe. Forever chemicals, as their nickname suggests, can take centuries to interrupt down in nature. One report estimates that 45% of consuming water within the U.S. now comprises PFAS. Research have linked the chemical substances to a number of ailments, from kidney most cancers to thyroid illness.
3M, one of many largest producers of PFAS, plans to cease making the chemical substances by the end of next year, after settling a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit to wash up contaminated water. New rules are additionally forcing manufacturers to search out alternate options to PFAS in client merchandise.
[ad_2]
Source link
