PFAS Indicator Color Meanings
The PFAS Indicator uses four colors to show the level of certainty that an ingredient is a PFAS. These colors are based on a unique combination of chemical naming patterns, database matches, and international regulatory lists.
Here’s what each color means and how it’s determined.
Hazardous (Red)
The ingredient is a PFAS and has been identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) by the International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec), based on criteria defined under the EU’s REACH regulations.
A Hazardous PFAS indicator presents a strong case for removing or reducing the ingredient or substituting it with a safer chemical or process. While the tool doesn’t prescribe specific next steps, this classification should prompt a closer look and consideration of removing or replacing it with potentially less-hazardous alternatives.
Confirmed (Orange)
The ingredient is a PFAS and matches known lists such as:
- The OECD Comprehensive Global Database of PFASs
- US EPA PFAS lists (with or without explicit chemical structures)
- Chemical names that include “perfluoro” or “polyfluoro”
A Confirmed PFAS indicator generally presents a case for removing or reducing the ingredient quantity or substituting it with a safer chemical or process.
Suspected (Yellow)
The ingredient contains the term “perfluor”, “polyfluor”, or “fluoro” in its name, which suggests it may be a PFAS—but it hasn’t been confirmed by a specific regulatory list or PFAS database yet.
This classification is used when there are signs of an ingredient of being a potential PFAS chemical, but not enough scientific data is available nor regulatory developments in place to support greater certainty at this time.
Unknown (Grey)
The ingredient has not been identified as a PFAS and does not contain recognizable “fluoro”-related language in its name. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the substance is PFAS-free.
Some PFAS may not appear in naming patterns or standard disclosures, so it’s possible for PFAS to exist even when the indicator shows “Unknown”as may be the case if PFAS chemicals are found as a result of cross-contamination (as opposed to intentional use of PFAS chemicals in or on the product).
Important Note
The PFAS Indicator is a screening tool only. It is not a compliance determination and does not confirm or rule out the presence of PFAS in a product or formulation. Further investigation is 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.
