PFAS Terms & Glossary

This glossary gives you a quick, easy-to-understand reference for key terms used in the PFAS Indicator and related discussions. Whether you’re new to PFAS or just need a refresher, this guide is here to help.

PFAS Basics

PFAS

Short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. A large group of human-made chemicals known for being highly durable, resistant to heat and water, and commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment.

Perfluoroalkyl substances

PFAS chemicals where all hydrogen atoms on the carbon chain have been replaced with fluorine atoms. These are fully fluorinated.

Polyfluoroalkyl substances

PFAS chemicals that are only partially fluorinated—some hydrogen atoms remain on the carbon chain.

Regulatory & Risk Context

The PFAS Indicator currently references the regulatory bodies and regulations listed below. Please note that this list is subject to change as new international PFAS regulations are introduced or existing ones are updated. For more details, refer to What regulatory lists does my account cross-reference?

OECD PFAS List

An internationally recognized database of known PFAS chemicals maintained by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

ChemSec SIN List

A list of hazardous chemicals, including some PFAS, identified by the International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) as substances of concern.

EPA PFAS Structure List

US EPA List of PFAS chemicals with known and defined chemical structures.

EPA PFAS chemicals without explicit structures

US EPA List of PFAS chemicals without explicit structures, such as polymers and other unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products or biological materials (UVCB) chemicals.

Platform & Data Terms

Chemical name patterns

Terms used to help identify potential PFAS, such as fluoro-, perfluoro-, and polyfluoro-. These terms are often found within the chemical names of ingredients flagged by the PFAS Indicator. 

PFAS Indicator

A visual tool that helps flag ingredients in your eBinder that may be PFAS. The indicator outcomes can be: Hazardous, Confirmed, Suspected, or Unknown. The Indicator is assigned based on the ingredient information that has been indexed from the SDS and compared against the relevant regulatory references and chemical name patterns.

SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

A document that provides information about a chemical’s hazards, handling, and safety. Not all PFAS are listed on SDSs, especially if not required by regulation or if it is a result of cross-contamination, meaning that the PFAS chemical(s) was not intentionally used in / on the product

Ingredient-level identification

The PFAS Indicator works at the individual ingredient level, not across full product formulations. Each ingredient is assessed separately.

Ingredient Indexing

Indexing means entering information into the account from the Safety Data Sheet. Ingredient Indexing is required for the PFAS Indicator to function.