The Carcinogen Identification Committee (“CIC”) is one organization that California’s OEHHA relies upon to determine whether a chemical should be listed under Proposition 65 as a chemical for which the public requires a warning before purchasing a product containing that chemical. On December 7, 2021, the CIC haled a public meeting to discuss their findings regarding Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and its salts and transformation and degradation precursors (collectively "PFOS") as a potential Proposition 65 carcinogen.
PFOS and its salts and precursors have been used in a large variety of applications, including non-stick coatings and grease repelling materials. While 3M was the major manufacturer in the United States, other companies outside of the United States manufacture and use PFOS, so it continues to be a potential cancer-causing chemical group in California.
According to the Hazard Identification Materials, within some 372 pages of studies and materials released before the December 7th meeting, "PFOS is one of the most extensively produced and studied members of a class of chemicals called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)", which are known as the "forever" chemicals because of their persistence. "PFOS is ubiquitous, with levels measured in environmental media, biota, and humans. Humans are exposed to PFOS through contaminated food and drinking water, ingestion of dust, and inhalation of indoor and outdoor air."
As a result of the findings of the CIC discussed at the December 7th hearing, PFOS and its salt and degradation materials will be listed as a chemical subject to Proposition 65 control. As of twelve months after the chemicals are listed, warnings will be required on any product incorporating or releasing such chemicals.
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