Market news, 23 July 2024
The Filtration and Separation Coalition has been following the discussions and consultations on these chemicals over the past years. They have highlighted their concern in the attached document GEN – 1144.01. To Eurovent it makes sense to consider the possible consequences.
PFHxA is considered to be the final degradation end point of any substance containing the C6F13-moiety. Up to now it is not registered under REACH.
In early 2018 PFHxA was considered for inclusion in the list of substances of very high concern for authorisation, but the possible inclusion was withdrawn at the end of 2018.
The motives for inclusion were that PFHxA would be carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic for human reproduction and would remain in the environment.
PFHxA is now proposed for restriction.
C6 fluorocarbon is one of the additives used in the production of filter media and replaces C8 whose use has been forbidden a few years ago.
Manufacturers integrating filters in their products and filter manufacturer may be affected because the properties of the filter medium may change if its chemical composition is modified.
The actual impact on the performance of filters is difficult to assess (pressure drop, dust holding capacity, repellence and changes to ratings). It is also not known if alternative chemicals would be available.
This coalition, composed of the companies Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Hollingsworth & Vose and Lydall, has been following the consultations over the past years. Their concern is detailed in the attached document GEN – 1144.01.
The Eurovent Product Group ‘Air Filters’ (PG-FIL) is already looking into this issue and will meet on 10 September.
Manufacturers that integrate filters in their products and are knowledgeable on this aspect are recommended to provide input by 31 August to the PG-FIL Secretary: igor.sikonczyk@eurovent.eu.
