PFAS Compliance & Obsolescence Risk Management Solution

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals prized for their resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or the human body, leading to long-term accumulation and exposure risks.

PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health issues, including:

• Thyroid disease
• Infertility / decreased fertility rates in women
• High cholesterol
• Reduced vaccine response

National health authorities estimate that about 97% of Americans already have PFAS in their bloodstream. In addition, PFAS contaminate soil, water, food, and consumer products, creating broad environmental risks.

PFAS are widely used across industries due to properties like non-stick, water-repellent, and heat resistance. They are found in items such as:

• Firefighting foams
• Coatings for textiles and cookware
• Food packaging
• Chrome plating processes
• Gaskets
• Hoses
• O-rings

This widespread use means PFAS often appear in unexpected places within manufacturing facilities.

The regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving worldwide:

United States: The EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires reporting on all PFAS manufactured or imported since 2011. Many states also impose their own restrictions. Plus, there are over 30 U.S. states with PFAS restrictions, bans, or PFAS reporting requirements. 

Canada: Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), businesses must submit detailed annual PFAS reports, with tight reporting deadlines. European Union: Regulations like REACH, the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation, and food and water directives place restrictions and reporting requirements on thousands of PFAS chemicals.

Read more about PFAS laws by U.S. state in our knowledge article. 

Managing PFAS is complex because regulations are constantly changing, suppliers may not disclose everything, and PFAS can be hidden deep in your supply chain. Many companies struggle when they try to handle it with spreadsheets and manual outreach. 

• Auditing internal processes and materials for PFAS.
• Collecting supplier data through standardized surveys.
• Strategizing replacements or redesigns when PFAS are identified.
• Maintaining strong documentation for regulatory and customer reporting.
• Implementing Assent’s PFAS software and supply chain platform to streamline supplier engagement and regulatory monitoring.

This proactive approach helps reduce business risks such as lawsuits, supply chain disruptions, and brand damage while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.