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USA: OEHHA adds PFNA to the California proposition 65

DECEMBER 2021 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS, HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

In addition to the chemical disclosure requirements of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), California businesses that manufacture or sell products containing a third “forever chemical” will be soon required to warn consumers that the substance may harm reproduction. 
 
On 31 December 2021¹, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) adds perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and its salts to the list of chemicals of reproductive toxicants requiring warnings under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as Proposition 65. 
 
In March 2021, OEHHA selected PFOS and its salt and transformation and degradation precursors for evaluation by California’s Carcinogenic Identification Committee (CIC). OEHHA also selected perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFDA) for evaluation by California’s Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee (DARTIC). 
 
In December 2021, CIC determined adding PFOS² to the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer. DARTIC voted to add PFNA to the list as known to cause reproductive toxicity, based on male reproductive endpoint. However, DARTIC did not add PFDA to the list as OEHHA evaluated the reproductive effect were not identified. 
 
PFNA (CAS no. 375-95-1) and PFDA (CAS no. 335-76-2) are perfluorinated organic compounds with surfactant properties, and members of a large group of substances collectively called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs are commonly used to make products resistant to stains, grease, oil and water, and are used in various industries, often as processing aids. They can be found in teflon products, semiconductors and fire-fighting foam. PFASs are also used in cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, concealers, foundations, body lotions, and sunscreens.

[1]  OEHHA notice on PFNA listing

[2]  USA: California Proposition 65 lists PFOS and its related substances as carcinogens, December 2021