PTFE and PFAS

PTFE and PFAS: Understanding the Issues and Their Impact on Health and the Environment

Introduction

In today’s environmental and health context, the terms PTFE and PFAS are increasingly mentioned. These chemical substances are ubiquitous in our daily lives yet remain little known to the general public. This article aims to explain what PTFE and PFAS are, their uses, potential risks, and solutions to minimize their impact.

What is PTFE?

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic polymer discovered in 1938, best known under the brand name Teflon™. Renowned for its non-stick properties, it is used in various industries:

• Cookware with non-stick coatings
• Waterproof clothing
• Industrial seals and medical equipment
• Dental floss and filtration membranes

Concrete example:

When you use a non-stick frying pan, the surface is often coated with PTFE, preventing food from sticking and making cleaning easier.

While PTFE itself is considered stable and inert, its manufacturing process often involves compounds from the PFAS family.

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise over 4,700 chemical compounds. Known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS are used for their resistance to heat, water, and grease.

Where are PFAS found?

• Grease-resistant food packaging
• Water-repellent coatings for textiles and carpets
• Firefighting foams
• Cosmetics and personal care products

Why are they concerning?

PFAS are associated with several health issues:

• Hormonal disruptions
• Fertility problems
• Certain cancers (kidney, testicular)
• Immune system disorders

These substances are also found in soils, groundwater, and living organisms, causing widespread contamination.

Link between PTFE and PFAS

The production of PTFE often requires PFAS-based precursors, particularly PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), whose use has been restricted in many countries. Despite regulations, some PFAS-derived alternatives are still in use.

Impact on the environment and health

During PTFE manufacturing or degradation, PFAS emissions can occur, contaminating air, water, and soil. Although domestic use of PTFE is generally safe at moderate temperatures, overheating (above 260°C) can release toxic fumes.

Tech-Alp’s PTFE Products: Guaranteed Safety with No Detectable PFAS

At Tech-Alp, environmental safety and user health are top priorities. That’s why extensive testing has been conducted on all our PTFE-based products, including dental floss, filtration membranes, and technical fabrics. These tests were performed by independent laboratories following rigorous international standards.

Test results: No detectable PFAS

Analyses revealed that no detectable PFAS were present in our products, ensuring environmentally friendly solutions that are safe for consumers.

List of tested PFAS

Below is the comprehensive list of the 64 PFAS tested on Tech-Alp products, all of which were non-detectable:

Note: “N.D.” stands for “Not Detected” within the method’s detection limits.

How to reduce exposure?

• Choose products guaranteed to be PFAS-free, like those from Tech-Alp
• Check product certifications
• Opt for environmentally friendly equipment

Conclusion

PTFE and PFAS are widespread compounds that raise significant public health and environmental concerns. Tech-Alp is committed to providing PTFE products free from detectable PFAS, ensuring safe and sustainable solutions for its clients.

References

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
• World Health Organization (WHO) – PFAS
• PFAS test certificate for PTFE floss, scrim and membrane – Analysis Report (2023)
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Internal analysis certificates – Tech-Alp SAS (2025)

This article aims to raise public awareness about persistent chemical substances and promote responsible solutions.