Materials


Forever chemicals: Life after PFAS


For medical device manufacturers, restrictions on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) could pose real challenges. These materials are widely used because of their unique properties, which are ideal for medical devices. But these properties also make PFAS difficult to replace. Monica Karpinski investigates how device makers can assess alternatives and prepare for a future without PFAS.


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FAS are a staple material in healthcare. You can find them in thousands of medical devices, including catheters, guidewires, stents, pacemakers and more. Their unique properties make PFAS a popular choice: they are chemically stable, non- stick and resistant to degradation. Yet this very same durability means that they don’t break down, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals”. They can build up in the environment and living tissues, posing health


risks to both people and the planet.


For this reason, many governments have restricted certain types of PFAS. After all, not all PFAS are the same: they are a diverse group of over 10,000 chemicals. The PFAS typically used in medical devices (fluoropolymers) are considered safe for use: they’re virtually inert and extremely resistant to degradation. However, concerns have been raised about their environmental impact over their life cycle.


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