FAQs: PFAS Indicator Tool
Have questions about the PFAS Indicator? You’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common questions users have when interacting with the tool.
What is the PFAS Indicator actually telling me?
It’s showing whether an ingredient may be a PFAS chemical, based on naming patterns, regulatory lists, and third-party databases. It’s a way to flag ingredients that could warrant a closer look.
How does the tool decide which color to show?
The system uses logic based on:
- Verified PFAS lists (e.g., EPA, OECD, ChemSec)
- Chemical name patterns like “perfluoro,” “polyfluoro,” or “fluoro”
Each color reflects a different level of confidence of how likely the ingredient is a PFAS chemical.
Does this mean I have to remove the ingredient?
No. The PFAS Indicator helps screen ingredients for potential PFAS content and it is up to the user to carry out any further investigation that may be required to determine an appropriate course of action, if any. This may include setting substitution criteria, identification potential alternative(s), hazard identification, risk assessment, exposure assessment, life cycle thinking, evaluate feasible options against pre-determined criteria, select and implement an alternative, or iterate for continuous improvement.
Can I filter ingredients by PFAS color?
At this time, the indicator is visible at the ingredient level.
Filtering on ingredients is not available in the Product Summary Section of your eBinder on PFAS, however you can run the Ingredient Details or the Ingredient Quantity Summary Report and filter on PFAS in the Export. This will allow you to filter each ingredient on PFAS.
What does “Unknown” mean?
It means there wasn’t enough information to determine if the ingredient is or isn’t a PFAS. This might happen if the name doesn’t include common “fluoro-” patterns and no database match was found.
I know my product has PFAS. Why does the PFAS Indicator not match?
Many SDSs only list substances that must be disclosed under local regulations. Some PFAS may be present in small amounts or as part of a mixture that isn’t explicitly named.
Can this help me with compliance?
Not directly. The indicator is informational, not regulatory. It’s not a substitute for a full PFAS compliance review or chemical inventory audit.
Is this updated over time?
Yes. As PFAS databases evolve and new substances are identified or reclassified, the indicator logic may be updated to reflect that. You’ll see changes in classifications if the underlying data changes and / or as regulations change.
Reminder: This Tool Is for Screening Only
The PFAS Indicator is not a guarantee that an ingredient is—or is not—a PFAS. It’s designed to highlight potential matches and give you insight into where PFAS chemicals might exist in your eBinder, but verification and compliance decisions are still up to you.
