PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)

Definition

PFOS is a synthetic chemical compound that belongs to the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It is highly persistent in the environment and has been used in various industrial applications, including firefighting foams, stain-resistant coatings, and non-stick cookware.

Related terms

PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid):

PFOA is another type of PFAS that has similar properties to PFOS. It has been used in the production of non-stick coatings and water-repellent materials.

Bioaccumulation:

This term refers to the process by which chemicals like PFOS build up in the tissues of living organisms over time.

Environmental persistence: Environmental persistence describes how long a chemical remains unchanged in the environment before breaking down into other compounds.