In the textile industry PFC is mainly used on outdoor clothing, as it is highly water- and dirt-repellent and therefore it is ideal for backpacks. But what exactly is the meaning of these three letters? Why is it harmful? And what does pinqponq use instead?
PFC (= perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals) refers to a group of chemicals consisting of around 3000 different substances. These chemicals are often used in the textile industry to make fabrics water-repellent, but are not found naturally in the environment and are therefore not degradable.
Chemicals can be released during the use and disposal of products containing PFCs. For example, rain can dissolve the chemical particles and distribute them into the environment. Even on Mount Everest, one of the most remote places in the world, residues of PFC's can be found due to particles being transported on mountaineers’ clothing.
PFC is bioaccumulative, meaning that it accumulates in all organisms (humans, animals, plants) mainly through food intake or drinking water. The chemicals are suspected of being carcinogenic and damaging to fertility.
