Learn How EPA’s Recommended Standards and Ecolabels Address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are widely used, long lasting chemicals. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Even though recent efforts to remove certain PFAS from commerce have reduced the likelihood of exposure, some household products and indoor air or dust may still contain PFAS. Learn more about PFAS at EPA.

Consistent with section 208 of Executive Order 14057 and its Implementing Instructions, section I.G of OMB Memo 22-06, and the Federal Sustainability Plan, agencies should prioritize substitutes for products that contain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with statutory mandates, agencies should avoid the procurement of any PFAS-containing covered items.

EPA’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels help purchasers identify and use private sector and federal environmental performance standards and ecolabels within federal procurement to help them meet various sustainability goals and requirements, such as avoiding the procurement of any PFAS-containing covered items. The chart linked below is a guide developed by the EPA that characterizes how standards/ecolabels included in the Recommendations for Federal Purchasing address PFAS.

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