Table 2.
Three major source pathways of PFOS-related compounds: direct, degradation and residual PFOS.
| Category | Subcategory | Applications | Environmental source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS salts | K+, Li+, DEA, NH4+ | Surfactant in fire-fighting foam, surfactant for alkaline cleaners, emulsifier in floor polish mist, suppressant for metal plating baths, surfactant for etching acids for circuit boards, and pesticide active ingredient for ant bait traps. | Direct |
| Amines | Mist suppressant for metal plating baths | ||
| Ammonium Salts | Mist suppressant for metal plating baths | ||
| Amphoterics | Water/solvent repellence for leather/paper. | ||
|
| |||
| PFOS substances (FOSA) | Carboxylates | Antistatic agent in photographic paper. | Degradation |
| Amides | Pesticide active ingredient. | ||
| Oxazolidinones | Waterproofing casts | ||
|
| |||
| PFOS polymers (FOSE) and higher molecular weight substances | Alcohols, silanes, alkoxylates, fatty acid esters, adipates, urethanes, polyesters, acrylates | Soil/water repellence for carpet, fabric/upholstery, apparel, leather, metal/glass | Degradation and residual |
| Copolymers, phosphate esters | Soil/water repellence for carpet, fabric/upholstery, apparel, leather, metal/glass. Oil/water repellence for plates, food containers, bags, wraps, folding cartons, containers, carbonless forms, masking papers | ||