Risk Mitigation: Understanding PFAS in Cleanroom Garments

As discussed in Part 1: PFAS in Cleanroom Supply Chains, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have numerous direct and indirect uses in modern society. These “forever chemicals” are popular because of their resistance to heat, grease, water, oil, and stains.

While there are numerous examples of PFAS being present in consumer goods, manufacturing processes, and global supply chains, one of the most common contacts for cleanroom operators comes in the form of launderable coveralls, frocks, and other reusable cleanroom garments.

In response to the increasing awareness of PFAS use in textiles, the IEST is in the process of addressing this specific concern in a revised recommended practice (RP). The IEST working group (WG–CC003: Garment System Considerations for Cleanrooms and Other Controlled Environments) is currently developing guidance for PFAS and the testing of these chemicals in garments.

Table of Content

PFAS in Cleanroom Garments

PFAS in Controlled Environments

The Real-World PFAS Problem

What Are Cleanroom Garment Providers Doing?

What to Look for in Cleanroom Garment Providers

PFAS in Cleanroom Garments

Every day, millions of operators, technicians and researchers around the world begin their day by donning some kind of cleanroom garment system before entering their controlled environment. Little do they know, they are taking a risk, potentially exposing themselves to PFAS.

For decades, PFAS-based treatments were applied by textile manufacturers to impart water-, oil-, and stain-resistance to clothing and other fabrics. Because of the importance of maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of a controlled environment, certain PFAS have been commonly used by manufacturers as a fabric coating to create a liquid resistant, tear-proof, and low-linting barrier for launderable garments.

While some garment providers have begun phasing out PFAS chemicals due to their associated risks, countless cleanroom coveralls, frocks, hoods, and boots containing PFAS are still in circulation today. Given that cleanroom garments are intended for long-term use and are designed to undergo more than a hundred wash cycles, the likelihood of encountering PFAS-treated items in cleanrooms remains high.

Whether you're leasing garments from a laundry service or purchasing them from a specialty manufacturer, have you considered the potential risks of PFAS in your fabric materials?

PFAS in Controlled Environments

In addition to being found in cleanroom garments, PFAS is also commonly present in controlled environments via the processes and materials produced within them. For example:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing: PFAS are used in process chemicals like photoresist liquids and etch gases. They are also crucial for high-purity water distribution systems and in the production of components essential for semiconductor functionality.
• Aerospace and Defense Industry: PFAS are used in the production of high- and low-temperature, chemical-resistant tubes, hoses, seals, brakes and hydraulic fluids. PFAS can also be found in the flame-resistant coatings for spacecraft and military equipment. These applications are essential for the safety and reliability of aerospace technology.
• Medical Device Manufacturing: PFAS is known to improve the durability and biocompatibility of medical implants. PFAS properties are critical for ensuring the functionality and safety of devices such as pacemakers, stents, catheters and joint replacements.

The Real-World PFAS Problem

PFAS has been used in various applications in modern society for decades due to its useful properties. However, research continues to indicate that PFAS is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, soil, and water.

Health Implications

Many of the health implications of long-term PFAS exposure are still unknown and research is ongoing, however, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has linked PFAS exposure to certain reproductive difficulties, immune system damage, low infant birth weights and some cancers.

Surveys conducted by Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have shown that most people in the U.S. have been exposed to some level of PFAS.

People can be exposed to PFAS by:

• Working in manufacturing settings where chemicals, microelectronics, and other PFAS-containing consumer products are produced or processed.
• Drinking PFAS-contaminated water.
• Eating foods that were produced near PFAS-contamination zones.
• Swallowing or breathing PFAS-contaminated soil or dust.
• Using products made directly with PFAS or that are indirectly packaged in materials containing PFAS.

Although most PFAS exposure is low-level, certain factors—such as specific work environments or sources of groundwater—can lead to higher risks. Implications of repeated low-level exposures are still being evaluated.

Industry Risks

In recent years, legal ramifications for companies using PFAS have been substantial. Leading chemical manufacturers have faced significant litigation, with total damages related to PFAS contamination and cleanup exceeding $11 billion. These lawsuits highlight the risks and financial burden of PFAS-related liabilities and the potential damage to a company’s reputation.

As the regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS continues to evolve, many companies are actively seeking alternatives to these substances in their supply chains and products. This proactive approach not only helps mitigate legal risks but also aligns with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly and health-conscious products and processes.

What Are Cleanroom Garment Providers Doing?

Many cleanroom garment providers have dedicated research and development to finding viable alternatives to PFAS. Research is ongoing about how silicones, acrylates, paraffin waxes and other substances can be used in replacement of PFAS in cleanroom garments.

Organizations like the Textile Recycling Services Association (TRSA) are also addressing PFAS concerns in the industry by working alongside regulatory bodies to enhance industry standards.

TRSA’s annual legislative conference is designed to proactively address issues ranging from extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles to PFAS, recycling, microplastics and last-mile delivery zero-emissions regulations.

What to Look for in Cleanroom Garment Providers

Working in a controlled environment poses unique challenges, from adhering to strict procedures and wearing specialized garments to managing unfamiliar compounds and materials. For operators, safety is paramount: Is the smell that material is outgassing harmful? Do my garments provide adequate protection?

When it comes to eliminating PFAS from cleanroom applications, choosing a reputable garment manufacturer is crucial. Look for providers with extensive experience in controlled environments – like Valutek– who can provide validated test data confirming garments are “PFAS-free.”

If your primary garment supplier cannot provide information on their PFAS protocol, have you qualified a secondary supplier?

Valutek rigorously audits raw material components and conducts independent target analysis testing to ensure that no PFAS chemicals are present in any apparel products.

By partnering with leading third-party labs that test for PFAS using the EPA’s most recent Method 1633 for target analysis, Valutek is committed to providing the best solutions for your “PFAS-free” controlled environment, prioritizing operator and workplace safety.

EXPLORE MORE RESOURCES:

Are PFAS Chemicals Sneaking into Your Cleanroom Supply Chain?

Cleanroom Apparel Selection Fundamentals: Cleanliness and Application Requirements

The Significance of Qualifying Secondary Sources of Cleanroom Products

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